Abstract
M.Ed.
The adult in today's society, is increasingly aware of his/her shortcomings regarding existing training skills and knowledge structures, as well as the need to supplement or refresh in order to keep up with demands. Conventional training methods alone cannot supply in the demand for competent educators to train the increasing number of adult learners, with their unique needs and approach to learning. The purpose of the study is the design of a self-study module as a possible training method for adult educators, as it is regarded as a cost-effective method to develop these educators by means of distance education and due to its availability regardless of their socio-economic background of the prospective educators. A study of literature and descriptive research was conducted to determine the structure and requirements of a selfstudy module. Relevant models of training program design were also studied. The information obtained was used to develop a selfstudy module dealing with the designing of training programs for adult learners, based on the Wheeler/KrUger model (1979). The following issues were addressed in the selfstudy module: A situation analysis, the planning of learning experiences for these adult learners, the setting of goals and objectives, the selection of teaching and learning opportunities, the development of teaching strategies, and evaluation of the training program. The selfstudy module is preceded by a short pretest for the prospective adult ducator. Each topic is succeeded by a selftest to assist the adult educator in determining his/her progress. On completion of the module he/she should be equipped to design a training program for adult learners. Although the designed module has not been tested, the conclusion could be made that selfstudy modules as a teaching method could supply in the demand for educators of adults. Self study modules seem specially appropriate in the South African setting with its geographically scattered society and varying academic and economic backgrounds.