Unit VUS Final Research Paper: Adult Learning Process

Final Research Paper Draft
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Abstract
Adult learning process considerably includes the approaches aimed at revising and restructuring knowledge that has initially been received. On the other hand, this process also entails the increase of self-knowledge that enhances the ability and proficiency of individuals (Buchler, Castle, Osman, & Walters, 2007). As part of a joint effort between institutions and the adult learners in achieving economic growth and ensuring that competitiveness is maintained, it is essential to consider that the element of adult learning should not be overlooked since these participants are also contributors to the prosperity of a state. Adult learners can equally be considered as effective innovators in the society when granted an opportunity.
Irrespective of the challenges that this population faces that include the growing numbers of adults that possess low literacy and schooling, institutions need to develop effective approaches that would bolster programs that help the adult learners overcome the barriers and challenges they meet(Foote, 2015). These efforts are therefore aimed at maximizing these learners potential, a factor that requires institutions of learning to design and deliver proficient and quality services that center around meeting the learning needs of the adult learners. This would require a critical analysis of some of the challenges that affect the learning process for this population group in order to develop effective programs that support the course of learning.
Introduction
It is essential to consider the fact that several institutions of learning have found it challenging to incorporate the aspect of adult learning within their systems. In as much as some institutions have included these approaches within their education systems, it is vital to consider that several areas within this process lack some required learning frameworks (Boydell, T. 2016). This clearly indicates that the process of adult learning lacks quality structures that are developed to enhance this process. In this case, adult learning should be understood as an approach that initiates different learning methods that go beyond the acquisition of knowledge into the refining of behavior.
The adult learning process considerable includes the approaches aimed at revising and restructuring knowledge that has initially been received. On the other hand, this process also includes the increase of self-knowledge that enhances the ability of individuals (Boydell, T. 2016). In consideration of the fact that there are several adult learners who are urged to continue learning, it is in this case essential for educational institutions to develop appropriate adult learning methods within different institutions of learning.
In as much as there are several challenges that adults face in pursuing education, there is a need of recognizing these challenges by educational institutions and other non-traditional educational organizations in providing opportunities for these groups of people (Boydell, T. 2016). Through this, educational institutions are in a position to develop curriculum methods and appropriate structures that would allow this learns to find learning favorable and one that meets their needs. These learning approaches should also consider different elements within the learner’s lives such as their occupations and other factors in instituting appropriate learning periods that suit the learner’s needs.
Literature Review
It is essential to consider the fact that Boydell (2016) alleges that there are several approaches in defining the term adult learning. According to this author, there are several elements that need to be considered in determining the number of learners who fall within this category, considering the fact that the population of adult learners is significantly swelling in different nations (pp.18). This author also mentions that several institutions of learning have literally failed in considering the changes in the environment in regard to the rising population of adult learners and developing approaches of meeting there learning needs even in the event that pressures are impending especially in ensuring that these learners have the capacity to balance their personal and academic lives.
On the other hand, Favor, & Kulp (2015) supports these points by lamenting that adult learning should be understood as an element that goes further than knowledge acquisition into the shaping of behavior. This therefore determines that this process requires the development of creative and interactive approaches that are primarily geared towards shaping the behaviors of learners and ensuring that they are retained (pp.152). The author of this material therefore mentions that there is need to develop a universal theme in education that provides different solutions in the retention of adult student’s.
The development of effective programs therefore remains the way forward in incorporating leaning approaches that impact the adult students (Peeters, Backer, Buffel, Kindekens, Struyven, Zhu, & Lombaerts 2014). This therefore requires a collective alliance with other educational institutions and organizations in the development of effective programs that meet the goals of this process. Learning approaches among adult learners requires that educational institutions develop a thorough understanding of the manner in which these learners are motivated to learn and the barriers that hamper the course of their learning. It is in this case essential to determine that there are both internal and external factors that influence adult learners in relation to their past and present experiences. These factors should therefore be understood in aiding the process of developing appropriate programs that meet the needs of these learners.
Challenges and Difficulties Faced By Adult Students
It is essential to ascertain that choosing to return to school remains a life changing decision. However, there are unembellished issues that the adult students face especially when they decide to return back to school. However, the good news is that irrespective of these challenges, appropriate modalities are being improvised to contain adult learning in various institutions of learning (Buchler, Castle, Osman, & Walters, 2007). Learning institutions are now recognizing the increasing essence of developing appropriate learning approaches aimed at making learning accessible to everyone and are in the process of developing flexible options for such students.
Many institutions that are considering adult learning are now turning to evening and weekend classes including online and distance learning educational approaches as an approach that is directed towards meeting the learning needs of adults (Buchler, et.al.2007). Bursaries and grants are also being established to assist the adult learners with the costs of undertaking an adult program. As more adult learners are opting to return to school, more resources and services are being developed to assist them with the challenges they face.
Ultimately, adult learners have determined that they face a lot of challenges when making up the decision to return to the education sphere. One of the challenging elements that these learners face is in regards to the related costs, accessibility, and balancing school and life (Buchler, et.al.2007). It is therefore essential to analyze the challenges that face adult learning and the institutions that offer education in order to develop effective approaches that meet the needs of adult learners:
Types of Challenges Faced in Adult Learning
In this case, it is essential to constitute that there a...