120 likes | 138 Vues
Learn about the key points, demographics, and profiles of adult learners. Discover reasons why adults participate or don't, and explore barriers to participation in adult education. Gain insights into the psychosocial interaction model and how it impacts adult learning.
E N D
Participation in Adult Education Stacia T Sanders Kevin T Smith
Key Points • “Historically, participation in adult educations is largely a voluntary activity.” • “…without volunteer learners, there would be a much smaller enterprise of adult education.”
Key Points • Therefore, providers of adult education need to know “who is participating, why they are participating, and what conditions are likely to promote greater participation.” • “Knowledge about participants is useful to policy makers in terms of funding and to those who plan and implement programs.” • “For those who plan learning activities and instruct adults, it is certainly helpful to know as much as possible about the clientele being served.”
Who Participates? • First National Study (Johnston & Rivera 1965) • Adult – 21 or Older, married, or the head of household • Adult Education Activity – have as its main purpose the desire to acquire some type of knowledge, information, or skill and that it would include some form of instruction.
Who Participates? • Demographics • Man or Woman • Typically under 40 • High School graduate or more • Above-average income • Works full-time • Married w/children • Lives in urbanized areas all over the US
Profile of Adult Learner • Better educated, younger, higher income, most likely white and employed full-time
Why Adults Do or Do Not Participate • Based on Numerous Survey Studies • Boshier’s Education Participation Scale (EPS) • Social Relationships • External Expectations • Social Welfare • Professional Advancement • Escape/Stimulation • Cognitive Interest
Barriers to Participation • Biggest mystery is why more adults, especially those who might benefit the most, are not involved in adult education • Two most cited reasons: • Time • Money
Barriers to Participation • Lack of Confidence • Lack of Course Relevance • Time Constraints • Low Personal Priority • Cost • Personal Problems
Summary “…the profile of the typical adult learner remains remarkable consistent: white, middle class, employed, younger, and better educated than the nonparticipant. Further, employment-related reasons account for the majority of participant interest in continuing education.”