Back to School for Grownups is a practical guide for adults contemplating a return to the classroom. Based on the real-world experience of travelers who have successfully taken this journey, Back to School for Grownups tackles tough questions such as “Am I too old?” “What about the money?” “Am I capable?” and “Is it worth it?” You’ll learn how higher education professionals define adult learner success. And you’ll meet grownups who successfully made the journey back… More >>
Back to School for Grownups: Your Guide to Making Sound Decisions:
Tags: adults, Back, Decisions, education professionals, Grownups, Guide, higher education, journey, learner success, Making, money, practical guide, real world, school, sound, sound decisions, tough questions, travelers, world experience
#1 by Ying Tan on February 4, 2010 - 5:44 pm
This is a very practical book and it covers the whole journey from deciding whether and when to go back to school for what reasons to what to do with the newly acquired degrees/certificates/knowledge/skills. If you are thinking about going back to school, this book could provide a step by step gentle guide. I personally especially like the part about the achievement motivation. There are some interesting psychological observations about people’s achievement needs. The author described different directions people might take regardless of their needs for achievement. People with low need for achievement could slack off or could adventure into something they really like since failure in their attempt won’t put a big psychological burden on them. People with strong need to achieve could work very hard and achieve their goals. On the other hand, they might choose the goals that don’t stretch them enough. It’s truly worth thinking about this aspect whatever decision we are facing. The author went back to school multiple times. I am quite moved by her life stories and the life stories of those people she interviewed.
Rating: 5 / 5
#2 by Donald E. Short on February 4, 2010 - 7:45 pm
Back to School for Grownups: Your Guide to Making Sound Decisions: (And How to Not Get Run Over by the School Bus) This book is very well written, easy to understand, and speaks to anyone considering a career change or self-edification. The author writes with humor, wit, and the knowledge gained from her own experience. It is refreshing to read a self-help book that speaks to everyone, and I recommend highly this book.
Rating: 5 / 5
#3 by Lori J. Peterson on February 4, 2010 - 8:27 pm
This up-to-date guide is like having a best friend at your side throughout your back-to-school journey. Aimed at “grown-ups” (and covering the good and bad that goes along with that group), it provides a wealth of information and perspective (historial, financial, practical, psychological, the list goes on). It also has a “kinder, gentler” side that is very nurturing while it prods you to ask yourself the necessary but really hard, personal questions. Bits of humor and encouragement are scattered throughout to lessen the load. This is really a great guide for anyone entertaining thoughts of returning to school, out of necessity or desire.
Rating: 5 / 5
#4 by Deborah on February 4, 2010 - 10:00 pm
Looking around for something like this to give to one of my kids, I found this terrific, very thorough book. I’ve gone back to school myself, so I have a very good idea what it takes. This book does a great job of covering whatever I could have said, and a lot more. It’s very practical and down to earth. There’s also a section of stories from people who went back to school, which I found really inspiring.
Rating: 5 / 5
#5 by Donald G. Kelsey on February 4, 2010 - 11:30 pm
Back to School…is a “must read” not only for anyone contemplating a return to school as an adult, but also for those who are still making this personal journey. Dr. Gilbert mixes encouragement and warm wit with a searingly honest look at the practical considerations surrounding the decision to become a returning adult student. I found the last chapter to be almost the best part of the book. The testimonials of successful returning adult students gave a mosaic of success and the honest ups and downs on their personal journeys. They also summarized and powerfully supported all of what Dr. Gilbert has to say.
Rating: 5 / 5