Challenges and Opportunities of Adult Education - Research Paper Example

Research Design Critique Research Design Critique The research design critique will focus on a study d “Basic Mathematical skills and empowerment: Challenges and opportunities in Finish adult education” by Hassi, Annula, Ailo and Nevado (2010). The authors examined the process of learning basic mathematics in the Finnish adult education system. In as much as the country is respected for its high quality education, the study revealed that immigrants and a few locals have contributed to reducing levels of literacy in the country. The study of basic mathematics is important because it enables students to develop numeracy skills. Consequently, it has a direct impact on the economy of the Finnish society. The study is relevant because it focuses on mathematics and adult learning experiences. Algebra is one of the mathematics units examined. Understanding the challenges facing adults when learning basic mathematics may provide vital insights into the challenges that other individuals face when studying intermediate algebra. Problem Definition The problem of the study is that adult learners in Finland fail to meet the required performance standards when learning mathematics. The problem is appropriate as a research area because it undermines literacy levels in Finland. The country is committed to creating a society where all the people are empowered through education (Hassi, Annula, Ailo & Nevado, 2010). In addition, the inability to educate adult learners undermines the productivity of the country. Research into the problem is important because it allows stakeholders to develop a global understanding of the issue in order to develop effective policies. Background information The problem is a significant concern for stakeholders in the society. The performance of students in mathematics is a key indicator of the effectiveness of the education system. In addition, it is clear that the mathematical ability of students in a country is a key indicator of its ability to compete with the rest of the world. Adult college students are expected to have reached some level of maturity that makes them capable of handling peer pressure. Consequently, any poor performance in the subject can only be linked to the ineffectiveness of the instruction methodologies, past experiences with the subject, learning inabilities or learning disorders. Furthermore, Finland has a reputation as one of the countries with the most efficient education systems in the world (Hassi, Annula, Ailo & Nevado, 2010). Studies on the subject have shown that Finnish students perform well in basic mathematical skills (Hassi, Annula, Ailo & Nevado, 2010). Understanding the challenges experienced in teaching basic mathematics in Finland can provide valuable insight into the problems that adult students have with the subject. Objectives of the research The objective of the study is to evaluate the situation of the Finnish adult education in basic mathematics (Hassi, Annula, Ailo & Nevado, 2010).. An additional objective is determining positive indicators in the teaching of adult students in Finland. The final objective seeks to identify possible intervention measures that can enhance learning outcomes in the subject. The author managed to achieve the objectives of the study. The role of adult education in Finland is highlighted while indicating the challenges in teaching and learning of mathematics. Furthermore, evaluation of the challenges led to the identification of effective intervention measures. Study design critique The study has employed a qualitative design approach. Qualitative research is suited when evaluating the performance of students in a subject and the possible intervention measures. The use of qualitative research is effective in understanding the reasons behind a phenomenon and how they can be addressed (Sargeant, 2010). Firstly, case studies about adult education in Finland were evaluated. The case studies involved data gathered through interviews in two learning experiences. Case studies often involve the use of literature review (Hyett, Kenny & Dickson-Swift, 2014). The use of literature review is important because it enables the researcher to develop a theoretical framework for the study. In addition, it can help the researcher to understand the data collected. Learning theories are included in the research in order to enable the researcher explain the results established by the process. The incorporation of theories ensures that the research is credible. For a proposed instruction methodology to be adopted by all the stakeholders, it must be supported by learning theories. The observation is linked to the fact that the learning process is too critical to involve the use of untested and unproven methodologies. The study design was inappropriate because it failed to include ethnography and phenomenology. The inclusion of the two approaches would have enabled the researcher to develop a global understanding of the problem. The case study approach places severe limitations on the scope of the research. The experiences of six participants in two institutions do not provide a sufficient representation of a national problem. The study sample The case study involved two learning experiences. In the first experience, three women and their teacher were asked to participate in the study. The second experience involved three people: a male prisoner, his mathematics teacher and an advisor to the prison. The sample size was small because qualitative studies focus on a small group of people. It entails a deliberate attempt to engage with individuals involved in these situations. The fact that the study used a small sample undermines the ability of policy makers to adopt its findings and implement them throughout the country. The procedures followed in conducting the study The process of conducting the study began with a problem definition. In addition, the researcher established the objectives of the study. Since the study involved human participants, the researcher sought permission from the relevant authorities. The next step involved identifying teachers who would participate in the study. The participants were selected due to their experience with the learning of basic mathematics in the country as students and teachers (Hassi, Annula, Ailo & Nevado, 2010). Besides asking the teachers questions, a few students were also requested to participate. The school authorities were informed about the study. In the second case, the prison authorities were asked for approval. Besides seeking approval from the school authorities, the researcher also requested for permission from the participants. The literature review and analysis of the data was done concurrently with the data collection process. The approach ensured that any new insight could be incorporated into the study. Although the steps followed in the study were not outlined clearly, it is evident that the study can be replicated by other studies because a case study approach can be used to analyze the issue. In addition, the researchers can interview participants with similar learning experiences. Mentioning the names of participants enhances the validity and reliability of the study. Data collection methods The process involved conducting in-depth interviews. All the six participants were asked questions based on their personal experiences. Firstly, the students were asked about their personal experiences as they learned the subject and the impact of past lessons on their current performance. All teachers were students at some point. As a result, their ability to teach effectively is dependent on their experiences with the subject. For a teacher to be able to inspire his or her students to perform well, they must demonstrate passion for the subject. Secondly, their teaching philosophies and methods have a significant impact on learning outcomes. The approach to teaching influences the ability of the students to perform well in the subject. In addition, their observations about adult mathematics students affect performance. Teachers have an in-depth understanding of their subject and the effectiveness of the existing curriculum. Their experiences with a wide range of students provide them with a unique opportunity to see its impact. For instance, they can understand if the poor performance can be linked to the course material, the intelligence levels of the students, their educational backgrounds or any other relevant factor. In addition, current students were asked to participate in unstructured interviews. The interviews focused on specific themes and personal experiences that are relevant to the performance of adult students in basic mathematics. The approach used in the interviews was conversational in nature. The teacher in the first learning experience answered questions through e-mail. Pekka, the prisoner-student had to answer the questions through an open-ended questionnaire due to the restricted access policies in prisons. However, the prison authorities allowed the author to interview her in a face-to-face interview. Her mathematics teacher and the prison student advisor were interviewed in their offices. Besides describing the teachings methods used by their instructors, they had an opportunity to express their feelings about learning math in class. Furthermore, they had to indicate their beliefs on the relationship between age and the ability of a student to learn mathematics. Ethical considerations The author ensured that the relevant authorities approved the research. In addition, the selection of participants was based on important criteria. The teachers were selected due to their reputation in the industry as good teachers. Similarly, the students that took part were selected because they were in the teacher’s current classes. In addition, it was necessary to protect the identity of the students. It is important to acknowledge that the participants were informed about the purpose of the study. They had to give their consent for participation in the study. In addition, the author thanked all the individuals and institutions that had contributed towards the research process while noting their participation The author used credible respondents and sources in the study. The approach is important because it ensures that all the people affiliated with the study receive the recognition deserved (Bergold & Thomas, 2012). Disclosing the source of funding ensures that the readers can evaluate whether the study is tailored to serve a specific interest. An evaluation of the study reveals that the author did not include his personal opinions on the subject. Researchers have a responsibility to provide an honest representation of the facts in their study without introducing their thoughts on the subject (Lyons, Bike, Ojeda, Johnson, Rosales & Flores, 2013). Limitations in this study The study does not have a section dedicated to limitations. However, an evaluation of the information contained in the article highlights the challenges that undermined this study. For instance, the second learning experience was conducted in a prison, meaning that it was limited by lack of sufficient access to Pekka. The administration policies made the process take more time than it should. The study was undermined by the lack of sufficient time. Consequently, the study could not determine the impact of differences between age groups on performance. Instead, it focused on older students without involving the young students in community colleges and universities. However, future research on the issue can focus on this particular aspect. Although the author made a deliberate effort to incorporate ethical considerations in the study, it failed to highlight the diversity of the participants. The limitation undermined the ability of the study to influence national policy due to the failure to incorporate a diverse range of students. It is noted that a student’s environment has a direct impact on their ability to learn and perform well in school. Conclusion The selected study is similar to the proposed research. The approach used in the study provides valuable insight into the process of conducting research that involves learners, especially when they are performing poorly. For instance, it is necessary to consider appropriate theories. In addition, it is important to review the relevant literature on the subject. The similarities between the studies indicate that the results of the proposed study should assume a close correlation with the critiqued research. However, it is important to ensure that the critiqued study merely provides a guideline for the proposed research as opposed to influencing its operational guidelines. References Bergold, J. & Thomas, S. (2012). Participatory Research Methods: A Methodological Approach. Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 13(1). Hassi, M., Annula, Ailo & Nevado, L. S. (2010). Basic Mathematical skills and empowerment: Challenges and opportunities in Finish adult education. Adults Learning Maths, 5(1), 6-22. Hyett, N., Kenny, A & Dickson-Swift, V. (2014). Methodology or method? A critical review of qualitative case study reports. Journal of Qualitative Studies of Health Well-being 9 (10). Lyons, H. Z., Bike, D. H., Ojeda, L., Johnson, A., Rosales, R & Flores, L. Y (2013).Qualitative research practice as social justice with culturally diverse populations. Journal for Social Action in Counselling and Psychology, 5(2), 10-20. Sullivan, G. M & Sargeant, J. (2011). Qualities of Qualitative Research: Part I. Journal of Graduate Medical Education, 3(4), 449-452. Sargeant, J. (2012). Qualitative Research Part II: Participants, Analysis, and Quality Assurance. Journal of Graduate Medical Education, 4(1) 1-3. Read More