REPORT:  WORKSHOP B2

Adult Learning:  A tool for the empowerment of people facing the rapid transformation of work

 

Issues and Tasks:

 

1. Adult education should be relevant to the individual and community and linked to the reality of the economy, culture of the group.
2. Initiatives in adult education should develop a framework of ‘solidarity; (i.e.: the programs should serve the interest of the community and country and not promote rivalry).
3. It is important to develop the individual as a “sovereign learner” but this must be carefully balanced with the community to ensure that where there is individual growth, there is also community growth.

 

Recommendations:

 

1.      Legislation:  In some instances, government bodies give “lip service” to the support of adult education and where serious commitment exists, there is usually an expectation by government of immediate short-term economic benefits.  We recognize that the benefits that may accrue from Adult Education may not be immediate to the individual, community or nation.  We therefore recommend that ICAE, through their regional and local groups, work to ensure long-term commitment to Adult Education.

2.      Documentation:  The group recognizes that a number of cases similar to those presented in the workshop exist.  It is proposed that through the ICAE, these cases be identified and documented so that the information may be shared across regions to assist in understanding common issues/problems and identify “common threads” in the development of these initiatives.

3.      Adult Education is usually focused on low achievers and those “disadvantaged” by formal systems of education within some countries.  It does not fully incorporate the concept of “Lifelong Learning.”  It is proposed that ICAE promote/emphasize the common understanding that Adult Education refer not only to “low achievers” but also to those embarking on education beyond “secondary education.”

4.      Adult Education should help to build communities and not just provide persons with the tool to move away from the community for better economic conditions.  The group proposes that ICAE continues to encourage adult education groups to use the community as the focus in the development of initiatives/initiatives especially in the development of training material (curriculum, assessment strategies).

5.      Universities and Colleges (especially in the Caribbean region) should recognize that they are in the business of Adult Education and as such incorporate methodologies and assessment strategies that are more relevant to adult education and learning.  The group proposes that this be emphasized by the ICAE and its regional groups.

6.      The group proposes that there be a greater sharing of experiences and material among members.  This could be done via the internet and across regional groups.

7.      The participants propose that ICAE implements a Task Force/Working Group for the implementation and development of the recommendations mentioned above during the next working period of the ICAE.