New Majority Learners: the 3 core challenges

Higher education is changing. No longer is the "traditional" image of a student fresh out of high school representative of the population at large.

Today's college campuses are increasingly populated by the New Majority Learner: a diverse group encompassing a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and challenges.

This includes a broad range of individuals, including those from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds to first-generation college students and those facing economic hardship. Mature students, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and those balancing work and family commitments help make up the rich medley found in colleges today.

These learners, once considered the exception, now represent the majority of students in higher education institutions; a shift which presents unique challenges and opportunities for educators and institutions alike.

Institutions must adapt to meet the unique needs of this New Majority, embracing a more inclusive and equitable approach to education that empowers every student to succeed.

A failure to do so, or a lack of provision of a simple, structured learning process that helps them to overcome their challenges, will lead to a self-perpetuating cycle of drop out.

Who are the New Majority?

Based on today’s enrolment numbers, and population trends across the US, students that were once considered “nontraditional” now form the majority of the higher education learner population.

According to Education Design Lab, the constituent demographics of the New Majority include:

• People of color (Black, Indigenous, Latinx)
• Immigrants, children of immigrants, or undocumented
• Students facing economic hardship
• Older students (enrolled at 22+)
• Formerly incarcerated individuals
• Disabled, or neurodivergent students including students with mental health challenges
• First-generation college attendees
• Part-time students, transfer students, or those balancing work/family
• Vocational students and apprentices
• English as a second language and international students

Of these students, research conducted by the Center for Higher Education Policy and Practice has found that 64% of students work whilst going to school, 37% are over the age of 25 and 34% are the first in their family to attend college.

So what does this mean for institutions? In short, there is increased demand for their support services.

New Majority Learners often face multiple issues including financial hardship, work-life balance and language barriers. These factors can lead to learning challenges that require additional accommodations, placing a strain on the accessibility departments' already limited resources.

Likewise, many students may not qualify for traditional funding or accommodations due to the nature or severity of their challenges. For instance a student struggling to get access to childcare wouldn’t be categorised as having a disability but is likely to still need support.

Perhaps most concerning of all however, is the increased likelihood that this new cohort will experience co-occurring challenges such as learning disabilities and chronic health conditions, as well as financial constraints and a lack of educational experiences.

This creates a complex needs profile that often means that things can be overlooked when providing standard avenues of support.

What are the 3 New Majority Learner challenges?

Evidently it's crucial that educators understand the diverse needs and challenges of the student body.

Here we’ll explore three distinct New Majority Learner personas that may be present in your classroom:

The learner with barriers

This group encompasses students with innate barriers to content and learning processes. Most often this includes learners with disabilities, mental health challenges, and language barriers.

Imagine the student with dyslexia struggling to decipher dense texts, the student with anxiety navigating the pressures of exams, or the international student grappling with unfamiliar academic terminology.

These learners often face significant hurdles in accessing and processing information. They may struggle with attention and concentration, feel overwhelmed by information overload, and find organization a daunting task.

Beyond the academic challenges, they may also encounter social stigma, experience a lack of confidence, or added stress related to their learning differences.

Despite these obstacles, learners with barriers are driven by a powerful desire for equity. They yearn to study effectively alongside their peers, to prove their capabilities, and to achieve their full potential, regardless of the challenges they face.

They seek a level playing field where their unique needs are met, and they can thrive academically without feeling singled out.

The time poor learner

This portion of the New Majority represents students juggling multiple responsibilities, including working professionals, parents, carers, apprentices, and athletes.

Picture the student working night shifts to pay tuition, the single parent balancing childcare with assignments, or the student athlete striving for academic excellence while training for competitions. Time poverty is the defining characteristic of this group.

They struggle to dedicate sufficient time to their studies due to work, family, or other commitments. Financial worries, caregiving responsibilities, and the constant pressure of juggling multiple roles can further distract them from their academic pursuits.

Despite their limited time, these learners are highly motivated and determined to succeed. They seek effective time management strategies to excel in their studies without neglecting their other obligations.

They crave a sense of balance and accomplishment in all areas of their lives, and your understanding and flexibility can be instrumental in their journey.

The underprepared learner

This segment comprises students who may lack the foundational skills or knowledge needed for academic success. This includes first-generation students, first-year students, veterans,  formerly incarcerated individuals, students without a high school diploma, and international students.

Imagine the first-generation student navigating the complexities of higher education without family guidance, the veteran transitioning from the military to the classroom, or the international student adjusting to a new academic culture.

These learners may feel overwhelmed by the demands of academia, intimidated by their seemingly more prepared peers, and unsure of how to navigate this new environment.

However, beneath the surface lies a deep desire to learn, to grow, and to prove themselves. 
They are embarking on a journey of discovery, seeking to acquire the skills and confidence they need to succeed.

Institutional guidance and support can be crucial in helping them build a strong foundation for future success and unlock their full potential.

How can you support the New Majority Learner?

The degree to which learners experience each of these barriers will differ based on a number of factors including severity of experience, environmental factors and course difficulty.

At the most extreme, challenges faced by these learners will impair cognitive functioning. At the other end of the spectrum, the goal is more optimisation focussed.

Whatever the circumstances, there can be no doubt that the rise of the New Majority Learner necessitates a shift in how we approach education. As we've explored, these learners often face co-occurring challenges that can significantly impact their academic success.

Whether it's the learner with barriers struggling with accessibility, the time-poor learner juggling multiple responsibilities, or the underprepared learner lacking foundational skills, each persona requires a tailored approach to support.

By understanding their unique needs and challenges, institutions can create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive. This means re-evaluating traditional support systems, providing flexible learning options, and fostering a sense of belonging for all students.

Only then can we truly empower the New Majority Learner to reach their full potential.

We believe Glean can help institutions create truly inclusive learning environments for all.

Click the button below to find out how Glean can help support your New Majority Learner population.