An investigation into adult learner dropout at a community learning centre in KwaZulu- Natal.

Abstract

Adult education is essential to national development. Education is the bedrock of any nation’s quest to stem poverty. Adult education affords individuals previously denied access to education another chance at learning and self-development. It helps bridge the gap between the learned and the unlearned and further accelerate the achievement of set national goals and objectives. Thus, this research examines adult education in general, but from the propensity for dropout amongst adult learners. Specifically, the research investigated the adult learner dropout at Khulubuse Community Learning Centre. The study involved thirteen (13) participants who were purposively selected. These participants include five learners who had dropped out, five learners who had completed their studies, and three educators from this adult learning centre. Three research questions guided the study: What are the causes of learner dropout from the AET program at Khulubuse Community Learning Centre CLC? How does teaching and learning at Khulubuse Community Learning Centre CLC contribute to learner dropout? How can learner dropout be prevented at Khulubuse Community Learning Centre CLC? Data were collected using semi-structured interviews. The interviews were thematically analysed. The theoretical framework (Tinto’s theory) was used as a lens for analysing data. This study shows personal learner issues at home such as work obligations, personal circumstances, class related issues and logistical issues impacted on learners’ decisions to drop out. Teaching and learning at the centre, however, had far less impact. The study concluded with recommendations on strategies that could reduce learner drop out at the centre.