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It used to be thought that adults
had limited learning capacity, hence the adage, ‘you
can’t teach an old dog new tricks’. Research
has shown this is incorrect. Their ability to learn
decreases very slightly with age. What is important
is the will to learn. If we have faith in ourselves
we can achieve amazing things.
Adult education has two strands. There is the personal
satisfaction in following a course of study and it
can be for pleasure or because we want to take up
a particular type of work. |
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Secondly there is the demonstration to employers that
the individual has the capacity and willingness to learn
new skills and develop professionally. This raises self
esteem and professional confidence. To be up to date with
the elements of our work means being able to do a better
job and see possibilities for ourselves or our employers
because we are informed.
Another part of this is that to learn something means you begin to change ideas
because you see possibilities that were not visible before
and because the sheer experience of new material alters
perceptions of what is possible. For many this is an uncomfortable
process but if you can show you are able to be flexible
and improve skills you become a valuable member of any organization.
Openness to ideas and better working practices helps employers
to take their business forward and is appreciated. The praise
received for achievement is always welcome.
Advances in Industry
The rate of change with science and technology means to
be up to date is vital. For personal satisfaction, and for
the needs of employers, we need to keep ourselves informed
about what advances are happening. Those who like to be
fashionable have no problem with this in having the latest
gadget and knowing how to use it. Without realizing it,
we are ensuring our education. There are other ways of keeping
up to date such as ensuring we read current thinking and
technology. This allows us to do the job we have chosen
better.
Not many people are fortunate enough to grow up with a
vocation for a particular job such as medicine or law. Most
wonder what will be interesting, least boring and will pay
enough to live on. Sometimes people drift into jobs. However,
as we mature, we discover new interests and discover new
ways of earning a living which we did not know about or
which have emerged from the changes happening in the developments
taking place. We might not be qualified for these opportunities
but adult education allows us to take advantage by following
courses to bring us up to date. Having the courage to accept
that some real effort to take this further is needed and
vital.
Online Learning for Adults
The benefits of online and distance learning is that being
able to continue to earn a living can fit in with other
commitments. It also means carefully thought out planning
for how the course is to be covered. This requires discipline
and organization to blend the needs of the course with the
needs of family life and work. The trick is to understand
what the course covers, then take it step by step. Concentrating
on one thing at once stops the process from being overwhelming
and it becomes achievable as each stage is mastered. Even
if the individual dislikes routine, having one to cover
the reading, write the assignments and take in the information,
is essential. The bonus is that it is only for a short time,
and all being well, the person can then relax the discipline
because they are using their learning in their work.
Another aspect of working for qualifications at home is
that there are no university living expenses to cover. The
cost of the course and the materials such as books are the
biggest expense. If the initial research for the right course
to cover what the person wants to study is done well, a
reputable supplier will offer all the challenges and structure
needed.
For some there will be the opportunity to leave work and
study full time for a course. Some companies support this
and there are often grants and funds available from charities
but they require care to search out. It also depends on
where you live.
Adult education can be pleasurable even while it is an
effort. It can result in a sense of achievement and even
an increased income with the added skills.
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