Tuition-Free College in the Context of COVID-19: TN Reconnect Adult Student Narratives
Journal of Student Financial Aid
; 51(1), 2022.
Article
in English
| ProQuest Central | ID: covidwho-2057690
ABSTRACT
Utilizing narrative inquiry and thematic analysis, this study followed up with adult students who initially participated in a qualitative project, Understanding How Students Reconnect A Longitudinal Study (Collom et al., 2021). Five participants shared their experiences as adult students during COVID-19, which included their experiences shifting to virtual learning and the broader effects of the pandemic on their lives. Our findings indicated that while students coped with the transition to virtual learning, the overall perceived quality of education dropped and forced students to make difficult family and employment decisions. Overall, the study illuminated the barriers that exist for adult students who have faced unexpected life-events and demonstrated the need for institutions to build supports for adult students beyond tuition-free college. Our findings highlight the need for supports above tuition for Tennessee Reconnect students. While Tennessee Reconnect has substantially increased adult student enrollment in the state, increased support is essential to realize the full benefits of the policy.
ERIC, Current Index to Journals in Education (CIJE); Adult Education; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Costs; Pandemics; Tennessee; Educational Policy; Tuition; Adjustment (to Environment); Student Experience; COVID-19; State Programs; Adult Students; Distance Education; Educational Quality; Family School Relationship; Paying for College; Student Financial Aid
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Collection:
Databases of international organizations
Database:
ProQuest Central
Type of study:
Cohort study
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
Language:
English
Journal:
Journal of Student Financial Aid
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
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