The impact of adult basic education and training (ABET) on the life of the adult learner
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Date
2014
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Zululand
Abstract
The right to education as entrenched in the Bill of Rights is a universally recognised human right and is similarly guaranteed and protected in section 29 of the Constitution. This has necessitated the need for government to enhance the educational capacity of adults through the adult basic and education training programme. The purpose of this study is to
explore and examine the impact of Adult Basic Education and Training on the lives of adult learners. Historically disadvantaged communities, now have structures in place to afford adult
learners an opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills to improve their educational standard. This programme affords the adult learner an opportunity to interact with fellow community members and educators and engage on a path of constructive learning.
This study consists of a brief literature survey as well as empirical research on the impact of education and training on adult learners. A purposive sampling design was used to identify subjects or respondents for inclusion in the sample. As a result four ABET centres were identified in accordance with the defined population. From each centre, learners were selected in order to produce statistically dependable results. A total of 54 ABET learners formed a sample for the study and this was considered adequate to produce reliable results. The results of the study revealed that the ABET learners’ understanding of socioeconomic
status of their families, the threat of HIV and AIDS, general behaviour in public as well as respect for self and others had improved. The majority of participants (89%) seemed
to agree that after completing the ABET programme they could do their jobs more effectively. There was also general agreement amongst the learners that their confidence in demonstrating work-related skills had improved. A similar sentiment was also shared with regard to improvement in the level of education, trust in own abilities and understanding of HIV and AIDS related issues in their broadest sense.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Education in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Education in the Department of Educational Psychology and Special Education at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2014
Keywords
adult learner --basic education --training