Rural adult learners continuing their education emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic caused unprecedented disruptions to higher education, affecting over six hundred million students across two hundred countries, particularly those residing in rural areas experiencing disruptions. This study explored the experiences of rural adult learners in the Midwest region of the United States as they emerged back to higher education after pandemic restrictions were lifted. Utilizing a narrative inquiry qualitative research design, the study investigates how these learners adapted to changes in educational delivery, including the widespread adoption of online learning, and how these adaptations influenced their academic persistence and success. This research contributed critical insight into the educational needs of this underserved population. By addressing the gap in research focused on rural adult learners, this study contributes to the broader understanding of the post-pandemic educational recovery efforts and offers actionable recommendations for higher educational institutions to better serve this learner population.