THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES
OPEN CAMPUS
ADULTS AS LEARNERS (SUMMER COURSE)
EDTL 2807
Semester 3 2012-2013
Course Coordinator:
Course Group:
E-tutor: Noreen McDonald
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Collaborative Group Members:
Assignment: Graded Collaborative/Group Mini Essay –
Activity 3.5: Adult "Teacher and Student-centred group methods"
Due Date: June 24, 2013
Date Submitted: June 23, 2013
NATURE OF THE ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMME
The four principle elements involved in the educational process namely the learner, the educator, the content and the method, all operate as a system in which all are co-dependent. While the educator and the learner function to create the learning experience, the subject matter and the technique work together to make the learning experience effective. (Unit 3 pg 106). Therefore the methods selected comprise both teacher-centered and student-centered approaches and create an enriching learning experience for the adult learner.
The adult programme selected concerns the issue of hypertension. This programme is an example of non-formal education. Spencer (1983) defines non-formal education as education which “is organized by educational or other institutions or groups. (Unit1, pg. 9). It is usually non-credential… and targeted to satisfy individual, recreational, organizational or social objectives.” The class on hypertension is designed to educate persons on a very serious issue which affects many people in the community. The non-formal educational setting allows people to feel more comfortable and more willing to participate. This programme is therefore an example of community education. This entails improving the lives of persons within a specific locality. (Unit1, pg.15). There are many people who suffer from or at risk of hypertension. A programme such as this would therefore educate individuals about the nature of hypertension, treatment, signs and...