ASSESSING THE EDUCATIONALLY RELATED NEEDS OF ADULTS: A PRACTICAL, LOW COST APPROACH BY A COMMUNITY COLLEGE IN COOPERATION WITH THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM

The purpose of this study was to develop and test a
practical, low cost approach to the needs assessment process,
that would produce data to assist in planning programs and
services for adults living in a newly established service area
of a community college.
Designed to encourage agency participation, the
assessment was conducted in cooperation with Broward County's
community college, and public school system. Methodology: A trained team of 25 community college and public
school employees, and volunteers from the community completed
the survey process within a two-week period. Respondents
were interviewed by telephone, through the use of a questionnaire
form designed to enable interviewers to: (1) read
questions and record responses with speed and ease, and (2)
code directly for data processing.
Supportive materials were developed to assist the
survey team. Results: The 385 survey interviews were most often conducted
on weekdays, 5 P.M. to 9 P.M., with half (50.9 percent) of
the respondents indicating educational interests and preferences. Selected data were presented by frequency distribution
percentages, and cross-tabulations, according to five
required information areas:
1. Personal Background Information.
The sex and race of respondents were pre-determined according
to quota sampling criteria. The age composition was comparable
to data from 1970 U.S. Census Bureau reports, with the exception
of the 60 and over age category which represented a 10
percent increase, or 36.9 percent of all respondents.
2. Current Occupational and Educational Status.
Of those persons employed (46.5 percent), the services and retail
trade areas were most evident. Over half the adults (53.5
percent), were not employed, and consisted primarily of retired
persons and housewives.
3. Educational Program Interest and Goals.
Interest centered in the non-credit, continuing education program
area (29.6 percent), with emphasis on cultural enrichment,
recreation and leisure time, or two-year college transfer program
(10.9 percent) in the areas of liberal arts, law, art, and
engineering.
4. Preferred Conditions for Learning.
Respondents preferred programs and services that employed a
lecture or group discussion method held in the morning, 9 A.M.
to noon, or evening, 5 P.M. to 9 P.M., for two hours, twice
a week, for eight weeks, at a community college, or an adult
or vocational center. 5. Perceived Barriers to Programs and Services.
Nearly four out of ten adults reported barriers. The most
significant problems expressed were job responsibilities,
lack of time, child care, poor health, and lack of transportation.