Issues in curriculum design for ABET with regard to relevance of courses and programmes as well as availability of resources in areas around Pretoria

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to investigate the relevance of ABET courses and programs to adult learners, and the availability of resources in ABET centres around Pretoria. The data was collected from areas around Pretoria. Data collection was done through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. It emerged from the research findings that most of the courses done in ABET centres are irrelevant to learners' needs and that needs assessment is not at all done before designing the ABET curriculum. Furthermore the research findings showed that the resources in ABET centres are not adequate and satisfactory, hence they affect the quality and level of course relevance. The findings indicated the necessity of needs assessment before designing ABET programs. ABET requires highly qualified adult educators in order to improve the quality of ABET programs and to offer skills that are relevant to adult learners. The curriculum keeps on changing and so are the needs of adults, in order to keep abreast with economic and political developments. This calls for continuous training of ABET educators to keep abreast with new knowledge and developments related to the social, economic and political developments and changes. This study consists of five chapters which have been discussed as indicated below. Chapter one is the Orientation of the Study, concerning the statement of the Problem, the Aim of the Study, the Hypothesis, the Purpose and Significance of the Research, Delimitations and Definition of Terms. Chapter two, focuses on the Review of Literature and consultations of both primary and secondary sources. Chapter three, detailed the method used for the collection of data, which encompasses population and procedures for data collection. Chapter four, focuses on the analysis and interpretation of data. In the last chapter the researcher concluded by recording the conclusions based on the observations during the course of the research and by giving recommendations.