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Examples of Adult Education Programs
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HOME : Training Modules: Distance Education: Introduction to Adult Education
Curriculum Module
"Introduction to Adult Education"
- Expected Audience:
those who are interested in learning about adult education.
- Goal: to introduce the basic concepts and issues in the area of adult
education
- Learning objectives:
1. To learn about the purposes for adult education
2. To know the principles of adult education
- Intended learning outcomes
1. Learners can define adult education
2. Learners understand the basics of adult education
3. Learners informed about the principles of adult education
- Approximate time to complete this module
30 minutes
- Needed resources
- Access to Internet to download or search sites
- Learners Feedback:
- Ability to print-out text and modules (optional)
- E-mail to correspond with IWISE
- Supplies (e.g., pencil, paper, etc.)
- Dictionary, if needed
Please let us know your reaction to this IWISE module, how you were able
to use it, and suggestions for change. We also like to get suggestions for
topics for new modules.
- Special notes:
Available in English only
Applications:
- Exercise are provided to practice .…..
Definition:
Adult education is instructional and related support services for adults
who are not enrolled in secondary school; who lack the educational foundation
expected of a high school graduate; and whose inability to speak, read,
and/or write the English language effectively impairs their ability to
function on the job, in their family, and/or in their society. To achieve
their goals and develop their knowledge and potential, they are in need
of programs to help raise their level of education and self-sufficiency.
Purposes for Adult
Education:
As adults we are always
learning new things and processing new information. Education in a more
systematic way also occurs. The following reasons are often suggested
for people to continue to engage in organized learning:
- Personal growth and development: According to psychological theories people seek individual self-actualization and wish to promote individual growth. Someone might join a course or educational program for the content but also for contact with other people in an agreeable setting.
- Social improvement: Here the emphasis is gaining new knowledge and skills to improve your personal or career situation. The emphasis is placed on the individual within a larger social context. Thus, someone who left school early might want to get a certificate to show basic competency for employment.
- Organizational effectiveness: This happens when an employer or another type of organization (e.g., community group, charity, etc.) sponsors learning activities so that members, employees, volunteers, etc. can reach organizational goals. Sometimes these can be organized through on-site human resource development programs, or individuals and groups of employees might do educational programs through distance education.
- Intellectual growth: Many people value learning for its own sake.
- Social transformation: Organizations supporting policy advocacy and social change may wish to reach members through education which changes people and challenges existing social systems.
Principles of Adult
Education:
Whatever
mixture of reasons may motivate someone to pursue education and training,
effective programs must be directed at adults in a manner that will be
useful to their needs and interests. If they are disappointed, they will
stop attending. Effective adult education programs:
- Are based on the needs of the participants and make use of their different experiences,
- Seek the participation of individual adults, groups and communities in decision-making at all levels of the learning process; including determination of needs, curriculum development, program implementation and evaluation,
- Use course activities that are practical and problem centered,
- Engage participants in the learning process through an interactive approach,
- Incorporate learners’ goals in the activities,
- Use discussion and group activities to help create a supportive educational environment,
- Demonstrate practical applications of the skills and knowledge gained,
- Use logic and sequence of class activities should reinforce lessons learned,
- Demonstrate how the material and concepts learned fit together as a package,
- Allow for self-appraisal opportunities, use of skills learned, and evaluation/feedback to the instructor.
Examples of Adult
Education programs:
- Adult basic education,
- Literacy programs,
- Adult secondary education (including high school credit courses, and vocational training for entry-level employment),
- Life-coping skills,
- Parenting skills,
- Citizenship training for immigrants,
- English as a second language,
- Job-seeking skills,
- Classes for public assistance recipients to prepare them for employment.
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