Experiences and perceptions of adult learners at public adult learning centres

[摘要] The main objective of this research was to explore the experiences and perceptionsof adult learners at Public Adult Learning Centres. A total number of eighteen adultlearners from three Public Adult Learning Centres in Nkomazi East Circuit atEhlanzeni District participated in the study. The study was qualitative in nature usingthe interpretive paradigm. Data was collected through focus group interviews,individual interviews and observation.The study revealed that adult learners have mixed feelings and opinions regardingtheir experiences at Public Adult Learning Centres. Results indicated that someadults found their experiences interesting and enriching and have positive attitudestowards the teaching and learning at Public Adult Learning Centres, while otherswere frustrated with the lack of teaching and learning resources, and the poormanagement at the centres.Adult learners seem to regard education as important and they received satisfactorysupport from their families, communities, teachers, employers, and fellow adultlearners, as well as financial support from the Department of Education. Findingsrevealed that adult learners find it difficult to understand the content of subjects andto cope with the pace of teaching. Participants had different views about thelanguage of instruction. Some preferred English for employment and social purposeswhile others preferred the vernacular so as to have a better understanding of thecontent and to pass the subjects. These learners preferred that the content shouldprepare them for employment and for coping with day-to-day activities in rural areas.Responsibilities at home, becoming a learner at an elderly age, being involved inseasonal jobs and catching up work after absence were some of the challenges thatadult learners experienced.From the results and findings of the study, recommendations were made to improvethe effectiveness of teaching and learning and functionality of Public Adult LearningCentres.

[发布机构] University of Pretoria