Application Question. Please Help!!!

Hi there! I am sending my application for Vanderbilt University. There is a question I am supposed to answer, but I don't really understand it and I don't know how to respond.

It says:" What is your understanding of the responsibility of an adult learner in graduate level education?"

Does the question mean your responsibility toward work and family, or the research and analysis graduate students do. I just don't really get it! Please help! I need to send the application withing a week and I am stuck. I appreciate any thoughts. Thank you in advance and good luck to all.

You should be able to find someone at the school who can clarify for you what the question is asking. But just my opinion, I tend to think the question is asking about how theories regarding adult learning say that adult learners gain knowledge by being self-directed and autonomous, they tend to be goal-directed, and have many life experiences to bring to the table (work, family, previous education). This goes along well with the typical graduate school environment where students tend to learn by not being spoon-fed but by analyzing advanced concepts and research data. It also supports the fact that graduate school in nursing is aimed at specialization based on the student's stated goals and that we already bring our nursing experience and expertise prior to starting graduate study. So, in a way what you were thinking is probably along the same lines as I am.

Also just thought I'd add a link about adult learners: http://honolulu.hawaii.edu/intranet/committees/FacDevCom/guidebk/teachtip/adults-2.htm

you're welcome.