Trends and Roles in Adult Education

Adult Education Trends

   There are aspects of our world that affect trends in adult education. Just as all aspects of our societies affect the individuals who collectively create their society, so too, all these facets cause changes in adult education. The trend in business directly affects the trends in adult education and the roles that this education performs in our society.

    Globalization and connectivity of people around the world has changed education into a commodity of the marketplace. Education is now a product, with people looking for the product that suits their needs best. They can compare prices in countries all over the world with instructors or tutors who are teaching the same or similar content. Through this, people are more able to choose any formal education that is a good fit for them personally. This is much different than in the past, when a student might only have one college or university that they could attend, they now can choose from thousands across  the globe.

   The Knowledge Society has changed with workers now leaving to attain their education elsewhere and then returning to their birthplace to practice their careers. As well, companies are locating to where their workforce is most knowledgeable for their needs for sustaining and growing their businesses. A business may be very fluid this way and locate to a new area for a period and not permanently. When this happens, we often see the education numbers increase in the former area. Adult learners often must learn new skills for a new job position.

   Technology is growing at an exponential rate, and we are seeing a trend in “flipped classrooms,” where students can watch videos for homework and then go to their classrooms to demonstrate what they have learned. As well, informal education is becoming more prevalent as people are turning to the internet to learn about a large variety of topics. As well, there are now Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) available to everyone.

   Demographic Changes can be evident in countries that are experiencing a dramatic growth in the aging of their population. We are seeing a lower birth rate in developed countries and an increase in longevity. It is anticipated that in less than 10 years, that there will be less children than older adults. Developing countries must make policies and create programs that will address this issue.

Conclusion

Education has always been fluid throughout history, this will continue long into the future. Changes in society, shifts and trends are continuous and education will always need to respond to those changes. The key for policy makers may be not to try to mould their countries into what they would like through education, but instead, to be more responsive to shifts in culture, morals, and societies’ conventions. I have personally seen a decline in reading comprehension which is not there with my international students. This means the western culture education will not be able to compete globally if this shift in educational priorities continue. Students not understanding quiz questions and written testing will hold them back while our international students have no issues, even though they are also dealing with language differences.

References

Merriam, Sharan B. (2014 ). Adult Learning: Linking Theory and Practice (1^st edition) Jossey-Bass

Stats Canada (updated June 15, 2010). Participation rate in formal job-related training for the adult work force. Table D.7.1

Stats Canada Link    https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/81-582-x/2010003/tbl/tbld7.1-eng.htm