Issue/issues from ch.1 or ch.2 from the book Learning in Adulthood - Essay Example

Challenges of Adulthood Education Introduction Adult education is mostly part-time and this makes it to be referred to as part-time learning. There are many challenges associated with this kind of learning, which makes me to see it unworthy. These challenges may be in some cases difficult to overcome, therefore making the whole process unsuccessful. Learning should only be successful to a sober mind and adults who have many things in mind and at hand will not learn effectively. The challenges are as discussed below.

Challenges of Adulthood EducationAttitudinal BarrierAdulthood education is faced with negative attitudes that make learners to lack confidence in pursuing their studies. This is further advocated to due to their prior learning experiences and their thinking that what is being taught is only reflecting teacher’s needs and not for their importance. In most cases the learners in higher learning institutions, more so undergraduates, are mostly young people the adults therefore feel that they are in the wrong place and at the wrong time.

This becomes a big challenge and may even end up stressing one or becoming a psychological torture more so where there are many young people, the adults feel isolated and thus education does not mould them but add them torture. Education should make man free and therefore adulthood education should be banned since it makes man to be in chains of isolation and overworking oneself. This is why according to my opinion; I do not support adulthood education (Merriam, Cafferella & Baumgartne, 2007).

Institutional barrierThese in most cases are the schedules set by higher learning institutions. For instance, some policies in some schools say that learning can only be done with the presence of the two parties. Due to this policy, it becomes hard for the learners to be punctual and even they skip some classes. This is mostly for those who work for long hours like employees in companies. Even where learning is done online, learners are in most cases not in a position to meet the set targets. At last, the education process becomes a failure since the time set for learning is not well utilized (Merriam, Cafferella & Baumgartne 2007).

Situational BarriersThis refers to personal issues that may make one not to be able to make up for a class. Financially, one may be unstable or may find it difficult to afford the expenses of textbooks, tuition, transport and even family support. Therefore, if one is not in a position to meet his/her deficiency needs, then there is no need of undertaking adulthood education. Time management is also another factor that makes this whole process a challenge. In most cases, families have many issues at hand due to the well-being of their children.

To meet these needs, they require more time and therefore, it becomes difficult to get time for other part-time activities such as learning. In cases where adults dedicate time for learning, other responsibilities like family responsibilities are not met in full. This may have other negative behaviors among children such as substance abuse. To avoid all this, I propose that adulthood education should be cancelled for the benefits of other parties such as children who are the future of every nation (Merriam, Cafferella & Baumgartne, 2007).

ConclusionThe advantages of adulthood education are less compared to the disadvantages. I propose that adulthood education should be done away with. Adults should aim more in acquiring dispositional knowledge and not propositional knowledge. This will help them to perceive education as a means to the end and the means to the end. ReferenceMerriam, S., Cafferella, R. & Baumgartner, L. (2007).  Learning in adulthood: A comprehensive guide. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.