Educating educators of adults in South Africa : reflections on Unisa initiatives in the field

Abstract

This article is a report on research undertaken into a qualification structure and training path for educators of adults; such a qualification structure and training path needs to conform to the requirements of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). The research consisted of a contextual analysis of adult education practices and field analysis of the training provided for adult educators. The purpose of the research was to examine what is currently provided by the Faculty of Education at Unisa against the needs, trends and structures in the field and, from this examination, to derive indicators for future curriculum development and learning programme design. To analyse the current challenges confronting the Faculty of Education in educating educators of adults, I took into consideration the changing scenario of national qualification structures; new approaches to education, training and development practices and practitioners, and socio-political developments. My research identifies the following as being significant: access to university-based training programmes for educators of adults; the merit of certificate and diploma programmes for educators of adults; and curriculum development in adult education.