Acessibilidade / Reportar erro

Biographical-narrative study of university experiences in adulthood

Abstract

The aim of this study was to understand the professional, social, and personal factors involved in the university experience of adult students at the University of Lisbon. Methodologically, a multi-case study was carried out through a narrative biographical analysis of the academic experience of nine students over 23 years of age. In order to understand the genealogy of the context surrounding the study, three contextual strands (experts and people involved, documentary material and observational information) are considered in turn. The results show a polyphonic narrative that emphasizes the strategies and resources mobilized by the informants to achieve their academic goals and overcome obstacles. The conclusions highlight the value of age in formative processes as a catalyst for experiential learning, which facilitates the understanding of concepts and their application to real situations previously experienced by adult learners.

Higher Education; Students; Adults; Age; Biographical Narrative Research

Fundação CESGRANRIO Revista Ensaio, Rua Santa Alexandrina 1011, Rio Comprido, 20261-903 , Rio de Janeiro - RJ - Brasil, Tel.: + 55 21 2103 9600 - Rio de Janeiro - RJ - Brazil
E-mail: ensaio@cesgranrio.org.br