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Purposes for Adult Education
HOME : Training Modules: Distance Education: Introduction to Adult Education
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.
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