| Summary: | This research project focuses on a model designed for the evaluation of ABET
instructional programmes. In the light of rapid changes in the socio-economic and
political contexts in Africa and particularly in South Africa, this study examines adult
basic education and training, which has become acknowledged as an indispensable
tool for the transformation and development of societies. Since 1994 education has
become a constitutional right for all citizens of South Africa. In an attempt to offer
basic education and training to all adults many institutions and departments have
established ABET programmes offering adults the skills they may need in order to
contribute to the development of their communities. The lack of guidelines for
instructing, assessing and evaluating ABET programmes prompted the choice of
research topic.
The study begins with a review of relevant literature pertaining to the field of adult
education and also provides a general discussion on didactics as it .is relevant to adult
education. The study proposes a model for evaluating ABET instructional
programmes. Focus group discussions are employed as a research tool to validate the
proposed model and its accompanying guidelines. The study reveals that, for ABET
instructional programmes to be outcomes based, relevant, conducive to critical
thinking and creativity and productive of meaningful assessment, a model for
evaluating the programmes' performance in these areas is essential. Based on this presupposition,
the study proceeds to develop a model for the evaluation of ABET
programmes. It draws on literature pertaining to educational evaluation in general and
extrapolates the findings to construct a model appropriate for evaluating ABET
programmes.
In the field component of the study, endeavour is made to validate the model
according to the perceptions of a sample of ABET practitioners. In-depth focus
interviews are conducted to validify the various components of the model. In
conclusion, the study recommends further research into the didactics of adult
education and training (ABET) in order to improve adult education practices. === Curriculum and Instructional Studies === D. Ed. (Didactics)
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