ADULT EDUCATION

What is Adult?

An adult is a fully developed and mature individual (Merriam-Webster) aged

18/21 or over. Their self-concept is that of an adult. They are in touch with
ones capacities whatever the context and perform a certain role e.g.
working, raising children etc.

Characteristics of an Adult

More self-directed, rather than relying on other for help.

Mature and therefore experienced with the experience providing a rich source
for learning.
Readiness to learn is linked to what one needs to know.
Orientation to learn is problem centred rather than subject centred.
Motivation to learn is internal.

Education means to draw out, facilitating the realization of the full human
potentials of an individual (Tamayo, 2015). It is the acquisition of knowledge, skills
and values inside and outside the school to become a man.
Adult Education is activities intentionally designed for the purpose of bringing
about learning among those whose age, social roles, or self perception define them
as adults (Merriam & Brockett, 1997:8). It is the art and science of helping adults to
learn (vocational, social, recreational and self-development). It is also called
andragogy.
Adult Education Based on Context

Formal. Structured learning that typically takes place in an education or

training institution, usually with a set curriculum and carries credentials.
Non-Formal. Learning that is organized by educational institutions but non
credential. Non-formal learning opportunities may be provided in the
workplace and through the activities of civil society organizations and groups.
Informal Education. Learning that goes on all the time, resulting from daily
life activities related to work, family, community or leisure.

Types of Adult Education

Education for vocational, technical and professional competence.

Such education may aim at preparing an adult for a first job or for a new job,
or it may aim at keeping him up to date on new development in is occupation
of profession.
Education for health, welfare and family living. Such education includes
all kinds of education in health, family, relations, consumer buying, planned
parenthood, hygiene, child care, and the like.
Education for civic, political, and community competence. Such
education includes all kinds of education relating to government, community
development, public and international affairs, voting and political
participation, and so forth.
Education for self-fulfilment. This embraces all kinds of liberal education
programs: education in music, arts, dance, theatre and the like whether brief
or long-term. These programs aim primarily at learning for the sake of
learning rather than at achieving the aims included in the other categories.
Remedial Education: fundamental and literacy education. Such education is
obviously a prerequisite for all other kinds of adult education and thus, as a
category, stands somewhat apart from the other types of adult education.

Principles of Adult Education

Adults cannot be made to learn. They will only learn when they are internally
motivated to do so.

Adults will only learn what they feel they need to learn. (Practicality).
Adults learn by doing. Active participation is especially important to adult
learners in comparison to children.
Adult learning is problem-based and these problems must be realistic. Adult
learners like finding solution to problems.
Adult learning is affected by the experience each adult brings.
Adults learn best informally. Adults learn what they feel need to know
whereas children learn from a curriculum.
Children want guidance. Adults want information that will help them improve
their situation or that of their children.

References:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/slice/3178384510
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adult_education
https://www.britannica.com/topic/adult-education

Prepared by:
William Gabriel