Overview

There is considerable body of research about adults navigating advanced degrees, but little regarding adults in graduate degree programs while in full-time working careers. Guided by Mezirow's transformative learning theory, the purpose of this study was to develop a grounded theory (GT) that reflected the lived experiences of fulltime teachers as they progressed through advanced degrees while simultaneously maintaining working careers. Fourteen adult learner participants were asked to talk about their experiences as both fulltime educators and graduate students. The constant comparative analysis method was employed to analyze the data to develop the theory Enduring Driven Succeeding (EDS). Enduring Driven Succeeding explained the stages the participants underwent as they pursued an advanced degree. Four stages emerged from this GT study. Each stage represents behaviors one can expect in similar contexts: (a) visioning experiences in which the learner arrives at a clear mental picture the desired outcome; (b) investing experiences which occur when a learner decides on following a course of action towards the accomplishment of a goal; (c) clicking experiences in which learners begin to understand and apply their learning in meaningful ways; and (d) reflecting experiences which occur as adult learners reflect and rethink their successes and failures in order to move forward to pursue their goals. This theory can be useful in preparing university administrators, recruiters, or trainers to understand the challenges faced by fulltime working adult learners as they navigate advanced degree programs. Extending this theory through the method of grounded action (GA) may also assist in providing good action plans for resolving the issues faced by adult learners as they pursue advanced degree programs

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9781522991557

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Dr. Charles V. Slider Jr. was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He lived in the St. Louis area until reaching the age of twenty. Charles is married to Letitia his high school girlfriend. They have three children one daughter Cassondra and two sons Charles III and Orlando. Dr. Slider is a combat veteran who served his country in the United States Army for over 30 years with several combat tours and numerous awards. During his service Charles succeeded in being promoted to the highest enlisted rank of Sergeant Major. During his tenure as a soldier Charles served in four combat tours two in Iraq, one in Afghanistan and one in Bosnia. Prior to retirement from the Army Charles received the Legion of Merit for his leadership contributions to the United States. After retiring from the Army Charles decided to continue in his goal of becoming a college professor. Dr. Charles V. Slider Jr. earned his EdD from Walden University specializing in Teacher Leadership in April 2015. He also earned a M.Ed. in Middle School Education from Drury University in August 2008, as well as an M.A. in Sports Administration from Wayne State University in May 1994 and a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Maryland in August 1989. Dr. Slider has taught at all levels of education preschool through graduate level courses for over 30 years. Dr. Slider has taught and coached in Anne Arundel School District Annapolis, Maryland, Frankfurt High School, Frankfurt, Germany, Drury University St. Robert, Missouri Annex and the Waynesville School District, Waynesville, Missouri. Dr. Slider has worked in the capacity of adjunct for Drury University College of Education, teaching graduate level courses and is currently appointed as an adjunct with Lindenwood University in the College of Education, St. Charles, Missouri teaching in the Ozark Area Extension Campus.

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