Nontraditional Students and Institutions of Higher Education: A Conceptual Framework

Abstract

This article provides a conceptual base for pedagogy that embraces and incorporates the assets of nontraditional students in higher education and advocates for practice that honors and builds on students' cultural and social capital. It describes the challenges and opportunities faced by nontraditional students within institutions of higher education, focusing specifically on early childhood teacher preparation programs. The article proposes the use of narrative/storytelling practice as a way to generate inclusive and transformative learning that expands upon the wisdom of students' lived experiences. A set of recommendations is offered for incorporating this type of pedagogy in order to provide nontraditional students with meaningful learning and an environment that supports the social networks they require to be successful.