Adult Education and Skills: Is Gender Really An Issue?

With a high number of older learners returning to colleges and universities in light of the ongoing recession, ideas of efficiency when it comes to lifelong learning, skills for life and adult education, are being discussed more and more frequently. Yet, until recently adult learners are most often discussed in terms how they are being treated as a group in comparison to, for example, those under the age of 20.

Recent research from the National Institute of Adults Continuing Education (NIACE) not only indicates that women can benefit more from education aimed specifically at them - but the impact on the wider community can be positive also. The institute brought together 160 women of Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Somali communities in London, identified their learning needs and priorities and then assisted them in acquiring the means to learn.

Much of the results that were positive, were not overwhelmingly surprising. The women expressed great personal responses to learning - and many went on to enrol on more formal, courses. "My mind is fresh. I am happy," said one student. Yet, there were also some unexpected difficulties that proved particularly challenging for NIACE - essentially adapting to the personal agendas of each of the students involved, and ensuring that their priorities were satisfied.

This research highlights something to me quite quickly. Not only is it important to identify the priorities of women as a whole in certain social areas, but it is also vitally important that each is accommodated for on an individual level - and although two may share similar obligations to family and children - they may have different priorities when it comes to their studies.

Yet, the NIACE research also highlighted the benefits to the wider community from engaging its women in learning and courses. After studying had commenced, many became more actively integrated into the schools at which their children studied, whilst others have joined community groups and signed up as volunteers. Perhaps this is really the most important outcome of this study - we can see the unique position our women have in a society on a community level - and the positive effects it has when they are empowered by education. And to comprehend the effects this could have on an international level is very exciting indeed.

Find more teaching resources online at Excellence Gateway