Institute of Education London

Issues in Educating and Training Mature Adults (50+)

Course Code:MMALEI_02

This 1-term module [one introductory day, followed by on-line workshops] is designed to enhance the professionalism of all staff supporting the learning activities of the increasingly significant older sector. It should appeal to a wide range of educators concerned with exploring the potentials of leisure education or re-training of older adults. It is intended as an opportunity to reflect on how provision in the later part of the life course can be further improved, and also as a qualification.

The content addresses such issues as:

• What are the contexts of mature learning?
• What do mature people bring to learning?
• How are they affected by personal health and/or social and political policies?
• How does learning contribute to well-being?
• How can we maintain an integrated society as it becomes increasingly older and is, as a result, reliant on the capabilities and transferable skills of the mature population?
• How is the mature adult's participation in education or training re-shaping our expectations of how we interact and work with each other?

For those already in the field, it may include re-assessing their own professional experiences. For those new to it, the module will provide a wide framework within which to evaluate the available evidence from current policy, research and theory in this growing educational sector.

The final assessment [total 5000 words] will consist of a portfolio of reflections written during the course plus an essay with practical relevance to the field. A range of teaching and learning strategies are used, including structured, interactive student workshops, student-led input from designated readings, and tutor-led input. This module is available as a short course

Related Programmes

Adult Literacy, Language and Numeracy MA
Lifelong Learning MA
Psychology of Education MA / MSc
Teaching and Learning in Higher and Professional Education MA