Adult Learning

By: Prem Prasad Sigdel

Adult learning is a latest concept in education field which was known as non-formal learning in the past. Non-formal learning has got its area as one of the important aspects in education field. The policy makers and governments of the world have been focusing on it due to the benefit it has ensured for national development. It has encompassed a broader area like school education because the persons who haven’t attended school in their prime age can have such knowledge in their adult age.

This concept was much popular in Western countries in the 80s decade. They have framed plans and policies to deal with the adults either they have educated or uneducated. Educated people even can learn more in their life through non-formal learning. It means they have learnt different skills which may not covered by their education. Or they may have chosen some different areas of interest so that they would get knowledge of it. Mostly adult learning has focused on vocational type of education or skills. So it is much fruitful for the adults who want to be self-employed.

On the other hand, uneducated people have also got golden chance to find job through adult learning. They have the chance to learn reading as well as vocational skills to sustain their life. The governments have focused on it due to the double benefits they have got. It makes people educated as well as helps to contribute for national economy. Their reading mostly targeted to create job and adults have also interest to read for the purpose of earning. So the concept of adult learning is much effective while implementing.

The developed countries have focused on such education like school education; whereas developing countries still can’t pay attention on it. The developing countries have been busy in their internal political problem or they don’t have budget to conduct such educational programs. The non-formal concept of education came into effect with the concept of making the old people engage in their life who are thought unproductive.

If they have known to read and write they will be able to create job themselves. The purpose of adult learning is not only making people read and write but also helps them to find job of their interested field. For example it is an area specific reading or teaching. If any area has the possibility of producing traditional bamboo materials, adult learning can focus on such area and makes people aware about the importance of these materials and try to identify the market. Along with this local knowledge can be shared to all others by local adults in which adult learning program can be a facilitator.

On the other hand, people have the chance to identify their indigenous knowledge and skills with the help of adult learning. They can identify their skills and programs that can facilitate adults to deal with the market. So adult learning has direct connection to identifying the area of employment and transfer of such skills to others. Thus it helps people to get better income opportunity in their life. At last it also helps old people to be active identifying various options which they can choose with their interest.