What Do You Think About My Syllabus? An Assessment of Adult Learner Perspectives on Faculty Expectations Through Syllabus Review

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if and how instructors included the adult learner demographic into their academic planning on their syllabus at Penn State Behrend in Erie, Pennsylvania. By evaluating adult learner inclusivity in the classroom, Penn State Behrend can assess areas to improve adult learner’s sense of belonging, engagement, and learning. Eight syllabi of varying subjects and levels were reviewed by adult learner participants who were asked to assess the goals, objectives, workload, schedule, feedback, tone, and accessibility of the course and instructor. The results of this study will be used as starting points for assessing adult learner retention and attraction levels and for determining areas that may need improvement.