Past Question and answer PDE-121 Adult and Non-Formal Education exam
QUESTION 1
(a) Explain the concept of Adult
Education (4 marks)
What the question asks:
- Define adult education clearly and concisely.
The student should show understanding that it focuses on the learning
needs of adults outside the traditional school system.
In-depth answer:
- Adult Education
refers to organized educational activities for mature individuals who
are beyond the traditional school age, aimed at improving knowledge,
skills, values, or attitudes.
- Key points:
- Addresses practical, social, and personal needs.
- Often flexible in content and schedule.
- Includes literacy, vocational skills, civic education,
and lifelong learning.
Explanation:
- Shows understanding that adult education is purposeful,
learner-centered, and goal-oriented.
(b) Give brief explanations of the following,
with relevant examples (14 marks each)
What the question asks:
- Define each term and give a practical example relevant
to adult education.
- Lifelong Education
- Learning that continues throughout a person’s life
for personal or professional development.
- Example: An adult taking evening classes in computer
literacy while working full-time.
- Continuing Education
- Organized programs to update skills or knowledge
for professional or career purposes.
- Example: Teachers attending refresher courses or
workshops to learn new teaching methods.
- Extension Education
- Education delivered outside formal schools to
bring knowledge to communities, often in agriculture, health, or social
issues.
- Example: Agricultural extension workers teaching
farmers modern farming techniques.
- Distance Education
- Education delivered remotely, using
correspondence, online platforms, or media.
- Example: An adult earning a degree through online
classes from a university while living in a different city.
QUESTION 2
With the aid of specific examples,
discuss the characteristics of Adult and Non-Formal Education (25 marks)
What the question asks:
- Explain the distinctive features of
adult/non-formal education and give examples.
In-depth answer:
Characteristics:
- Flexibility
– Programs adapt to adults’ schedules.
- Example: Evening literacy classes.
- Voluntary participation – Adults choose to learn voluntarily.
- Example: Adults attending computer classes for
personal interest.
- Relevance to life and work – Curriculum focuses on practical skills.
- Example: Tailoring classes for entrepreneurship or
financial literacy.
- Self-directed learning – Learners take responsibility for their progress.
- Example: Adults using online tutorials to learn new
skills.
- Experiential learning
– Learning based on experience and practice.
- Example: Adults learning carpentry through hands-on
workshops.
- Goal-oriented
– Focused on achieving specific objectives like literacy or skill
acquisition.
QUESTION 3
With specific examples, list and
explain methods employed in Traditional Adult Education (25 marks)
What the question asks:
- Identify teaching methods used for adult learners,
especially in traditional/community settings.
In-depth answer:
- Apprenticeship
– Learning a trade by working under a skilled practitioner.
- Example: Young adults learning blacksmithing from a
master.
- Demonstration
– Showing a skill while learners observe and imitate.
- Example: Farmers shown how to use modern tools.
- Discussion method
– Learners exchange ideas guided by a facilitator.
- Example: Adults discussing health practices in a
community meeting.
- Storytelling
– Using narratives to teach morals or practical lessons.
- Example: Teaching financial literacy through local
proverbs and stories.
- Workshops/Practical sessions – Hands-on learning experiences.
- Example: Adults learning sewing in a community center.
QUESTION 4
(a) What is “Participation”? (5
marks)
What the question asks:
- Define participation in adult education,
emphasizing involvement and engagement.
In-depth answer:
- Participation
refers to the active involvement of learners in planning, decision-making,
and execution of learning activities.
- Example: Adult learners suggesting topics they want to
study in literacy programs.
(b) Describe any FOUR basic
principles of participation (20 marks)
What the question asks:
- Explain rules or guidelines that ensure
effective learner involvement.
In-depth answer:
- Voluntariness
– Participation must be by choice, not compulsory.
- Inclusiveness
– All learners should have equal opportunity to contribute.
- Relevance
– Activities should meet the learners’ needs and interests.
- Shared responsibility
– Learners and facilitators jointly plan and execute learning.
QUESTION 5
Discuss any FIVE shortcomings of
Adult Education provision in the National Policy on Education (25 marks)
What the question asks:
- Identify weaknesses in adult education as provided
in Nigeria’s National Policy on Education.
In-depth answer:
- Inadequate funding
– Limited resources for adult literacy programs.
- Poor infrastructure
– Lack of classrooms and learning centers for adults.
- Insufficient trained facilitators – Few skilled adult educators.
- Low participation rates – Many adults unaware or unable to access programs.
- Lack of community support – Programs not integrated with local needs or
priorities.
QUESTION 6
Write short notes on the following
methods of teaching adults, stating advantages and disadvantages of each:
What the question asks:
- Explain each method, its purpose, and benefits and drawbacks.
(a) Group Discussion
- Definition:
Learners discuss topics collectively under guidance.
- Advantages:
Encourages active participation, peer learning, problem-solving.
- Disadvantages:
Can be dominated by outspoken members; may go off-topic.
(b) Lecture
- Definition:
Instructor delivers content orally to learners.
- Advantages:
Efficient for delivering large amounts of information; easy to organize.
- Disadvantages:
Passive learning; limited learner engagement; not practical for skill
development.
(c) Role-Play
- Definition:
Learners act out scenarios to practice skills or simulate real-life
situations.
- Advantages:
Enhances understanding; develops communication and problem-solving skills.
- Disadvantages:
Time-consuming; some learners may feel shy or uncomfortable participating.