Nontraditional Students as a Pool of Potential High-Quality Geology and Earth-Science-Education Majors

Abstract

Nontraditional college students are entering secondary-education programs in increasing numbers. Defined as students outside the 18–24-year age range, nontraditional students are a diverse group focused on degree completion and workplace preparation. This group has a higher percentage of really good students among them, a fact we attribute to their being tightly focused, well motivated, and having a mature attitude. The students are respected by their younger classmates, and their life experiences add a distinctive dimension to classroom discussions. Nontraditional students are also different from their traditional counterparts because of the nature and extent of their special needs. They are usually employed, have greater family commitments, and occasionally require allowances for family emergencies. Consequently, they must manage their time wisely, and they often show little tolerance for the less-mature attitudes of some of their classmates. Can some of these highly motivated students be enticed into g...