Activities for Engaging the Non-Traditional Student Across Three Dimensions: Behavior, Affect, and Cognition
Non-traditional students, a demographic encompassing various backgrounds and circumstances (Chung & Chur-Hansen, 2017; Postsecondary National Policy Institute, 2023; Trowler, 2015), constitute a significant and growing proportion of college attendees. They represent individuals from underrepresented groups (Chung et al., 2014; Schuetze & Slowey, 2002) with statistics revealing diverse profiles: 37% aged 25 or older, 42% students of color, 46% first-generation, 49% financially independent from parents, and 64% full-time workers (Lumina Foundation, n.d.). These students have varied educational experiences and engagement preferences (Trowler, 2015), underscoring the necessity for multifaceted approaches to enhancing their involvement in learning (Harvey, Burnheim, Brett, 2016). Common underlying themes for non-persistence of non-traditional students include balancing commitments, managing finances, navigating course work, and addressing health issues or inadequate support system...