Bachelor of Education Honours in Adult and Community Education and Training

Purpose

The Bachelor of Education Honours in Adult and Community Education and Training is designed to prepare students for research-based Postgraduate studies. The qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence which includes designing, executing and reporting research at an appropriate for Level 8. It will deepen students' understanding of the scope of the field of adult and community education and to provide learners with experience in utilising the knowledge and skills in the development of educational qualifications for adults and communities.

Rationale

The recent reforms of Adult Education and Training. Act 52 of 2000, the National Development Plan (2012) and White Paper for Post-School Education and Training (2014) guide the design and implementation of programmes leading to qualifications for educators in Adult and Community Education and Training. In accordance with these principles, the qualification will cater for a number of endeavours in the field of adult and community education, especially in rural settings in Africa. It will provide students, particularly in Limpopo and Mpumalanga, with thorough grounding in adult and community education theory and research in ways that will enrich professional practice and equip them as researchers in the field. It will contribute towards addressing the needs of adult students through the application of relevant skills and knowledge.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This qualification may be achieved in part through the recognition of relevant prior learning and experience as per the University's RPL policy, in general, and the school's RPL policy, in particular, which clearly outlines the structure and processes that must be followed to provide access via RPL when the need arises. Appropriate assessment tasks and tools are designed to assess individual candidates against the module/qualification outcomes on a case-by-case basis, with detailed records maintained.

Entry Requirements

Entrance to this qualification is either a

• Bachelor of Education, Level 7.

Or

• Postgraduate Certificate in Education, Level 7.

Or

• Advanced Diploma in Teaching with Adult and Community Education specialisation, Level 7.

Or

• An appropriate initial professional teaching qualification.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 128 Credits.

Compulsory Modules

• Research Project in Adult and Community Education and Training, 32 Credits.
• Educational Research Theories and Approaches, 24 Credits.
• Programme and Materials Development in Adult and Community Education and Training, 24 Credits.
• Philosophy and Nature of Adult and Community Education, 24 Credits.
• Contemporary Issues in Adult and Community Education and Training, 24 Credits.

1. Acquire and apply a sound base and critical understanding of educational research in Adult and Community Education and Training.
2. Analyse and evaluate knowledge in Adult and Community Education and Training.
3. Work independently in conducting and reporting on educational research in Adult and Community Education and Training.
4. Analyse and evaluate theoretical frameworks and approaches in Adult and Community Education and Training with the view to enhance academic leadership and expertise in the field.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Demonstrate sensitivity for, as well as an understanding and awareness of, the variety of educational contexts in which Adult and Community Education and Training knowledge might apply.
• Critique contemporary Adult and Community Education and Training conditions and policies relevant to development in South Africa.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Demonstrate problem-solving skils and demonstrate the ability to use a range of specialised skills to identify, analyse and address complex or abstract problems, drawing systematically on the body of knowledge and methods appropriate to research in Adult and Community Education and Training.
• Remain a lifelong learner and analyse Adult and Community Education and Training situations with a view to identifying problems, and making judgements and evaluations based on evidence.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Demonstrate the ability to take responsibility and full accountability for own work, decision-making and use of resources.
• Complete assignments, the research proposal and project reports in a way that shows knowledge of different research approaches and methodology in Adult and Community Education and Training.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Demonstrate the ability to present and communicate academic, professional or occupational ideas and texts effectively to a range of audiences, offering creative insight, rigorous interpretation and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to the context.
• Demonstrate knowledge of different research approaches in the field of Adult and Community Education and Training.

Integrated Assessment

Learning and assessment across Exit Level Outcomes within the qualification should be integrated to ensure a well-structured cohesive qualification.

Formative Assessment

Formative assessment is in place to assure continuous learning and feedback to candidates.

Summative Assessment

Summative assessment ensures a judgement of learning of the Exit Level Outcomes. Such assessments will assess the student's ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, competencies and attitudes that are represented by the Exit Level Outcomes either as a whole or as components of the qualification.