Conducting Adult Education Programs

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ConductingAdult Education Programs
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Where We Have Been....

• Historical philosophical foundations
• Characteristics of adult learners
• Learning principles
• Teaching methods
• Needs assessment
• Instructional design
• Planning programs

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After all that, whats left to do?

• Nike says, just do it!!
• Successful adult educators know better.
• Harbstreit (Birkenholz, 1999) defines seven top
  issues to consider when conducting AE programs.

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The Top Seven Issues

• Putting the plan into action.
• Working with budgets.
• Scheduling facilities and personnel.
• Working with other staff members.
• Connecting with industry.
• Planning for professional growth.
• Balancing work with family.

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Putting the Plan into Action

• What facilities are needed in your AE program?
• When does the AE program begin?
• How long will each session last?
• What are the dates of your AE program?
• What are the arrangements for meeting rooms?

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Putting the Plan into Action

• What resource persons are needed? When are they
  needed?
• How will participants be involved?
• What materials, supplies, equipment, and teaching
  aids will be needed for your AE program?
• What type of refreshment breaks are needed?
• How will your AE program be promoted?

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Scheduling Facilities Personnel

• Misconception my regular facilities (educators)
  will be available for evening AE classes.
• Truth school administrators may have other ideas
  about when and for what reason to use facilities.
• Plan to schedule dates and times for the AE
  program.
• Failure to reserve facilities causes confusion,
  delays, etc.

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Scheduling Facilities Personnel

• Carefully select AE meeting rooms for comfort.
• Arrange rooms to facilitate adult learning.
• Resource persons should be provided with
  directions and maps to the meeting place.

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Working with Budgets

• Most AE programs involve financial management.

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More Budgets

• Many AE programs must pay their own way.

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More Budgets

• Always consider
• Costs of providing instruction (instructors
  fee).
• Facility costs.
• Number, type, and cost of supplies.
• Other fees (membership fees).
• Field trip or other activity costs in the AE
  program.
• Expected enrollment (limited number or open).
• Promotion costs or evaluation costs.

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More Budgets

• Each item should be addressed.
• All costs should be determined prior to contracts.

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More Budgets

• Insufficient budgeting upsets administrators.
• Incentive plans
• Educator is paid more over the enrollment
  threshold.
• Instructors are encouraged to actively promote
  program.
• Increased number of participants in AE program.
• Community and/or profession benefits from
  increased exposure through successful AE programs.

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Working with Other Staff

• Involve colleagues and other staff.
• Collaboration is the key to successful AE
  programs.

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Working with Other Staff

• Always consider
• What is the expertise of other staff members?
• When are staff members available for assistance?
• What personal/family issues should you consider?
• What can you offer other staffers in exchange for
  help?
• Remember, not all staff members may be willing or
  able to help with your AE program.

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Connecting with Industry

• Industry partnerships are critical to AE
  programs.
• Access to cutting edge technology.
• AE participants may be depending on skill
  upgrades.

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Connecting with Industry

• Use an advisory committee from industry.
• Ensures your AE program is relevant and current.
• Utilize industry contacts and resources to build
  a network of additional industry linkages.
• Personal contact is best for establishing
  contacts.
• First contact should be informative (explain AE
  program).
• Second contact should be to ask for support.

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Professional Growth

• Long-term success of AE depends on the educator.
• Well prepared and competent.
• Provide instruction, leadership, and motivation
  to learn.
• Develop your own plan to stay current.

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Professional Growth

• Attend state/national conferences and workshops.
• Boost morale and enthusiasm for instructing
  adults.
• Administrative support is essential (and
  expected).
• Adult educators must walk the walk.
• Active participation in lifelong learning
  opportunities.
• Enhancing your own learning through AE programs.

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Balancing Work Family

• Many AE programs happen outside the 9 to 5.
• Participants may have family emergencies.

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Balancing Work Family

• Educators may not have the same luxuries.
• Consider
• Involve family members if possible (banquets,
  trips).
• Family member may contribute in AE instruction.
• Consider family events before planning AE
  programs.
• Avoid over-scheduling (workaholic syndrome).
• Participants are human too They realize you have
  to balance a personal life with the demands of AE
  programs.

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Summary

• Conducting AE programs involves a variety of
  activities past the needs assessment and program
  planning stages.
• Putting the plan into action requires attention
  to details.
• Budgets.
• Scheduling facilities and personnel.
• Working with support staff.
• Connecting with industry.
• Professional growth and development.
• Balancing work and family life.