Linking a Community of Learners with a Community of Scholars

• Published in: International review of education 1977-01, Vol.23 (2), p.205-216
• Main Author: Pagano, Jules O.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Academic communities; Academic learning; Adult education; College students; Different Approaches to Open Learning in Higher Education; External degree programs; Faculty advisers; Full time students; Independent study; Learning experiences; Universities
• ISSN: 0020-8566; 1573-0638
• DOI: 10.1007/BF00598829

Florida International University, a new upper level public university established in 1912, implemented a philosophical and programmatic objective of service to the community and fostering international understanding through the education of students. The University's primary clientele is composed of adult graduates of community colleges and older continuing education adults who are self-supporting. The changing student population demanded non-traditional methods for the delivery of the educational services. An External Degree mechanism was developed to deliver the educational services to the adult learner. The impact of this community of learners determined the values and assumptions of the External Degree Program. The adult role became a key factor in the development of the University. This role was manifested in programs as well as in administration of the University and it caused changes in the roles of the learners and the scholars in putting major emphasis on processes related to assessment of prior learning and development of an educational contract. The community of students helped define new roles for the community of scholars, especially the faculty adviser, content consultants, and adjunct professors. The major educational process that developed from this linking of the community of learners and a community of scholars was the educational contract. The challenge that faces this linkage is the development of and the support for quality standards that determine the learning outcome and are embodied in the learning contract process. /// L'Université Internationale de la Floride, une nouvelle université publique d'un niveau supérieur établie en 1972, a mis en oeuvre un objectif philosophique et programmatique de service vis-à-vis de la communauté et encourageant la compréhension internationale par l'éducation des étudiants. La clientèle principale de l'Université se compose d'adultes diplômés dans les collèges de la communauté et d'adultes plus âgés poursuivant leur éducation à leurs propres frais. Le changement dans la population qui étudie a exigé des méthodes non-traditionnelles pour la mise à disposition de services pédagogiques. Un mécanisme de Grade Externe a été élaboré pour mettre les services pédagogiques à la disposition de l'adulte qui apprend. L'influence de cette communauté de ceux qui apprennent a déterminé les valeurs et les présomptions du programme du Grade Externe. Le rôle de l'adulte est devenu un facteur clé dans le développement