Adult learner approach to transformational change: an interpretive phenomenological analysis

Villarruel, Heather Rose (2023) Adult learner approach to transformational change: an interpretive phenomenological analysis. Doctoral thesis, Northern Arizona University.

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Abstract

This qualitative study was an exploration of the lived experiences of adult learners (over age 24) enrolled in graduate teacher preparation programs and their distinct needs and expectations related to program entry, persistence, and completion. Five graduate teacher preparation degree-seeking study participants openly shared their respective academic and lived experiences. With a theoretical framework comprised of Knowles’ andragogy theory and Vygotsky’s theory of social constructivism, an inductive approach to data analysis facilitated condensing extensive and varied raw data to code-listed categories and themes. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was appropriate to show how adult learners make sense of their academic and lived experiences and the efforts they made to conquer challenges during program entry, persistence, and completion. Several themes emerged aligned to the research question and subquestion: How do adult learners make sense of their academic and lived experiences as they enter, persist, and complete their graduate teacher preparation program? and, How do adult learners engage and negotiate the university experience to meet their needs and expectations? This study contributed to the literature on how adult learners engage and negotiate their experience in graduate teacher preparation to make sense of met and unmet needs.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Publisher’s Statement:	© Copyright is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the Cline Library, Northern Arizona University. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.
Keywords:	Adult Learner; Andragogy; Higher Education; Social Constructivism; Teacher Preparation; Transformation
Subjects:	L Education > LC Special aspects of education > LC5201 Education extension. Adult education. Continuing education
NAU Depositing Author Academic Status:	Student
Department/Unit:	Graduate College > Theses and Dissertations College of Education > Educational Leadership
Date Deposited:	22 Oct 2025 21:28
Last Modified:	22 Oct 2025 21:28
URI:	https://openknowledge.nau.edu/id/eprint/6227

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