Learning Attributes, Academic Self-efficacy and Sense of Belonging Amongst Mature Students at a Canadian University (Erb & Drysdale, 2017)

Mature adult students in higher education exhibit higher levels of academic self-efficacy and lower levels of test anxiety compared to traditional-age students. However, they report significantly lower levels of sense of belonging, which is concerning given the link between sense of belonging, persistence in higher education, and well-being. The study highlights the need to further investigate the experiences of mature students and implement strategies to foster their sense of belonging within the university community.

Erb, S., & Drysdale, M. T. B. (2017). Learning attributes, academic self-efficacy and sense of belonging amongst mature students at a Canadian university. Studies in the Education of Adults, 49(1), 62–74. https://doi.org/10.1080/02660830.2017.1283754