Illiteracy is a society-wide problem that belongs not just to one strand or tier but to everyone. It is a deep-rooted problem which, despite huge investments from government, remains a long way from being solved. Adult education, also called continuing education, any form of learning undertaken by or provided for mature men and women. Adult education comprehends such diverse modes as independent study consciously pursued with or without the aid of libraries; broadcast programs or correspondence courses; group discussion and other “mutual aid” learning in study circles, colloquia, seminars or workshops, and residential conferences or meetings; and full- or part-time study in classes or courses in which the lecturer, teacher, or tutor has a formal leading role.
See undergraduate project topics and materials on adult education
Adult education gives mature learners the chance to increase their knowledge, develop new skills and gain helpful qualifications and credentials. The importance of adult education is difficult to overstate. Adult education plays an important role in helping mature aged learners develop new skills and improve the career prospects available to them.
ADULT EDUCATION
Adult education is education aimed at mature students that have already taken part in the workforce. Learning as a mature student gives individuals the chance to gain new skills and expand their knowledge.
ILLITERACY
Illiteracy is the inability to read or write. It is also the lack of knowledge in a particular subject; ignorance.
Literacy means the ability to read and write. Usually, people learn how to read and write at school. People who can read and write are called literate; those who cannot are called illiterate.
Illiteracy affects all areas of life. Those with low literacy skills are far more likely to live in poverty, face health problems because they can't read prescription labels or instructions, and grow isolated in a world increasingly dependent on computers.
ADULT EDUCATION AND ILLITERACY AMONG THE ELDERLY
Educating adults differs from educating children in several ways given that adults have accumulated knowledge and work experience which can add to the learning experience. Most adult education is voluntary, therefore, the participants are generally self-motivated, unless required to participate, by an employer. The practice of adult education is referred to as andragogy to distinguish it from the traditional school-based education for children pedagogy. Unlike children, adults are seen as more self-directed rather than relying on others for help.
Adults are mature and therefore have knowledge and have gained life experiences which provide them a foundation of learning. An adult's readiness to learn is linked to their need to have the information. Their orientation to learn is problem-centered rather than subject-centered. Their motivation to learn is internal.
Adults frequently apply their knowledge in a practical fashion to learn effectively. They must have a reasonable expectation that the knowledge they gain will help them further their goals. The purpose of adult education in the form of college or university is distinct. In these institutions, the aim is typically related to personal growth and development as well as occupation and career preparedness. Another goal might be to not only sustain the democratic society, but to even challenge and improve its social structure.
CONCLUSION
There are numerous advantages to adult education. Learning after secondary school as a mature aged student allows adults to develop valuable skills to improve career prospects and expand their professional knowledge.
Developing literacy and numeracy skills in adulthood also gives individuals a better ability to reach their full potential. Many adult students gain additional confidence in their academic skills after pursuing adult education.
Finally, adult education teaches students valuable skills that can be put into action in a wide range of situations. The confidence and aptitude gained with adult education is valuable both in and out of the workplace.