The given work is devoted to the analysis of the main aspects of adult learning. Such issues as the environment and three main kinds of learning, which are formal, non formal, and informal, are analyzed. Moreover, their importance for adult learners is discussed, and some suggestions are given. At the end of the work, the conclusion is made.
There is no use in denying the fact that education plays a vital role in the life of people. Nowadays, it is rather difficult to achieve success without having a good base which is usually given at some college or institute.
That is why people who want to become successful try to obtain a good education. Besides, there is a great number of adult learners who have also recognized the significance of education and are eager to obtain the needed knowledge. Thus, the process of education of adults has its own peculiarities, which differ from the traditional one. With this in mind, it is possible to analyze this issue to understand the main aspects of its functioning,
First of all, it should be said that there is a great variety of adult learners and, that is why there are also many various learning environments which they access. It should be said that nowadays, adults decide to obtain an education because of the influence of a great number of different factors, however, globalization, demographics, and technology are the most important among them (Linder, n.d.).
They introduce some changes to society and make people study in order to be able to respond to these changes. It should also be said that adults associate formal education with lectures at some universities and teachers who give them. Though at the same time, speaking about informal education, they mention a great number of different environments.
With this in mind, it is possible to say that great importance in adult education should be given to such types of settings as formal, non formal and informal (Merriam, Caffarella, & Baumgartner, 2007). Formal education is highly institutionalized and organized in accordance with a certain curriculum (Merriam et al., 2007). At the same time, the term non formal education is used to determine a certain set of learning activities and possibilities outside the formal education system (Merriam et al., 2007).
These propositions are very often voluntary and usually have a certain curriculum that regulates their functioning (What is non formal learning? n.d.). Finally, informal learning is a process that goes every day at home, in the workplace, or somewhere else (Merriam et al., 2007).
There is no curriculum, and a person obtains knowledge in the known organized way (Crawford, n.d). It should also be admitted that this very kind of learning is the most peculiar to adults and can also be called the most efficient one as the bigger part of the information obtained by adults they receive with the help of this very kind of learning.
Resting on this information, it should be said that all these concepts could be used for adult learners as they prove their efficiency. It is possible to predict what combination of all kinds of learning can lead to significant improvement in the results of adult learners.
In conclusion, it should be said that being influenced by such issues as globalization, demographics, and technology, adult learners decide to obtain a good education. Under these conditions, the concepts of formal, non formal, and informal learning obtain great significance as they influence the process of learning greatly.
References
Crawford, D. The Role of Aging in Adult Learning: Implications for Instructors in Higher Education. Web.
Linder, M. Diversity of learning environments – Bridges between formal, nonformal and informal learning environments. Web.
Merriam, S., Caffarella, R., & Baumgartner, L. (2007). Learning in adulthood: A comprehensive guide. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
What is non formal learning?. Web.