Learning applications lead to motivate people to be grooved towards continuous learning. Adult learners could be heading back to school to acquire more complex skills to keep up with the changes in the job market. Many organization nowadays are looking for candidates with the capacity to think critically and communicate clearly. They want candidates who are able to solve problems.... these adult learners will be of real help.... So learning should help them to grow and earn.

The need of an inmediate incom after obtaining their credential trough a course o r workshop, should be enough to captivate their interest. Besides, be in constant use of your mental faculties, makes you a more vigorous, energetic and useful human being. Go to churches, convenience stores nearby, and public your organization ad.

There is probably no single best strategy.

Adult learners - and I believe this is universal - ask themselves whether they can apply what they have learnt, and whether learning makes them grow as individuals - in their own view and in the view of others. In other words, whether learning makes them "better".

I have recently carried out quantitative and qualitative research to find out from adults pursuing a bachelor degree (business studies, n=300), at a German distance learning education, what they understand as "learning success".

From the predictable high exam marks and the ability to apply what they have learnt at work and in private, answers included being able to speak up and being heard in social groups, being a role model for their children, widening their world view and similar insights.

This gives rise to the question what adult learners understand knowledge to be, specifically knowledge that is worth acquiring. A strategy may therefore be to understand your students in this respect, and hopefully being able to provide them with what they seek. This should result in developing their self-motivation to learn, rather than giving them external incentives to learn.

I said previously that I regard this as a universal strategy. In the particular case of Ghana - indeed the whole of Africa - you have the added advantage that learning as a life activity is much more positively connotated than in typical "Western" societies, where learning is seen much more as a "must". Having spent many years as educator in various African countries (and originating from the "West") I believe I am entitled to this statement.

Earlier in the year I was invited to a distance learning conference, focusing on modern technologies. Several issues (e.g., technology vs human) were discussed quite controversial. The conference was organized by the State University of Tomsk, Russia, and attracted 900 participants of which about half attended online. In this city of Tomsk half of the 500,000 inhabitants belong to a family where one or more members either work for one of the universities, or studies there. As a result, there exists an undescribable positive atmosphere toward learning and education. I mention this because it may be yet another strategy: to create an atmosphere in which learning can thrive.

In any case, good luck and thank you for this question.

Critical factors to sustain the interest in adult education in Ghana that must be considered are the teaching approaches used, the content that is taught, assessment and admission requirements.

1. As adults, the teaching approaches used for their instruction must be able to stir up their interest. Learner-centred approaches that are self-motivating allowing the adult learners to discover knowledge in a more experimental ways would sustain their interest. Learning tasks that aid them to explore and use efficiently their cognitive abilities must be used. Real life applications of the learned concepts must constantly be showcased by the instructor. This would gear them on to learn more.

2. The content taught them must be a package of REAL benefits to their existing professions and enhance their personal as well as professional development. The content must be current, up-to-date with technological advancement in their fields to aid them impact more in their workplaces.

However, it should not be unnecessarily loaded as this would demoralize them (remember that they are already saddled with work and family responsibilities).

3. The admission requirements must not be too high as many of these matured applicants may not have any high certification. If an entrance exams is required, it show be based on basic concepts in their fields and questions aimed at assessing their practical knowledge.

Also, final assessment or exams must be able to evaluate the learned concepts and practical know-how from the course. Formative assessment procedures must be used and exams must not hold their necks too tight, failing to really evaluate the real life gains of the course.

These approaches in these areas when rigorously looked into, would arrest the inconsistencies with adult education while fanning and sustaining the intereat of the adult learners.

Dear Dr Isaak,

1.Give them freedom in learning.

2. Group discussion and group learning will be effective , I think.

3.Go for interactive method like teaching by story telling mixing with them.

4. Pls don't harm their personality .

5. Take rewarding system, if possible and/or appreciate their work.

6. Don't show any negative attitude , which may kill the process.

7. See everything from positive corner as they adult.

I think, these will work for the sustainability of the learning process.

Thanks

As an adult educator myself having students engaged in the learning is important. Realize that you are a "facilitator" of learning and engagement not the sage on the stage. Making the learning environment one that is open and welcoming to discussion where there are no wrong answers.

If you get a response that is not "correct" ask follow-up questions regarding the thinking and allow others in the class to ask questions or ask for clarification! This will encourage engagement and not shut learners down!

A sense of humor is always appreciated and the knowledge that we are all teachers and learners!