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Abstract
Purpose of the Study. The purpose of this study was to determine the personal, social and career counseling needs of adult learners as perceived by such learners enrolled in Adult Basic Education (ABE) and General Educational Development (GED) programs in selected rural Nebraska community colleges.
Procedures and Conduct of Study. Interview instruments were administered to 45 randomly selected students, ages 18-76, enrolled in Adult Basic Education programs in selected rural Nebraska community colleges. Review of literature and opinions from recognized authorities in the field of adult education, along with data obtained from the interviews, were used to develop the study.
Findings. (1) The stigma of not having earned a high school diploma was prevalent in adult students. (2) Adult students' fear of returning to school was based both on unhappy school experiences and concern for their inability to re-establish effective study habits. (3) Adult students had financial concerns, including loss of work time and money for babysitters and transportation. (4) Adult students had problems with the mechanics of finding and applying for a job of their choice. (5) Adult students who were enrolled in ABE classes lacked self-confidence which led to frustrating situations. (6) Adult students desired vocational/academic and personal-social counseling services. (7) Many adult students felt that returning to class was a traumatic experience, with well over one-half of the interviewees perceiving the need for assistance in the area of either emotional support or specific services.
Recommendations. Recommendations include the establishment and operation of counseling centers providing free services for all adult students on community-technical college campuses and the establishment of mobile centers to serve students in outlying areas. In addition, staff members in counseling centers should consist of professionals, paraprofessionals, and volunteers with experience in ABE and with adult students; and counseling preparation programs should be designed to prepare adult counselors to serve clients found in ABE/GED programs.
