Abstract
M.Ed. (Tertiary and Adult Education)
Tertiary institutions experience a big influx of adult learners
which increases the demand for capable adult educators. A need
was identified to train or refresh adult educators in teaching
techniques suitable for adult learners. Group methods have been
identified as an effective teaching method to use in adult
education as it provides the adult learner with the opportunity
to use his/her experience and to be selfdirective in his/her
studies. Selfstudy modules has been selected as an appropriate
training method for adult educators as it is regarded as a
cost-effective method to develop adult educators by means of
distance education.
A study of literature and descriptive research were conducted to
determine the structure and requirements of a selfstudy unit as
well as the essentials of group work. The information obtained
was used to construct a selfstudy module dealing with the
facilitating of adult learning by means of group methods.
The following issues were addressed in the selfstudy module:
1) The use of group methods in the teaching-learning situation.
2) The essence of group methods and cooperative learning.
3) The characteristics of adult learners and their learning
orientation towards learning.
4) Planning of group work by the adult educator.
5) The roll of the educator during group work.
6) Evaluating the group process, group efforts and individual
achievements.
Each of these topics was succeeded by an assignment to assist the
adult educator to work through the module systematically and to
evaluate his/her progress at regular intervals. On completion
of the module he/she should be more equipped to fulfill his/her
role as facilitator of group discussion.