Problems encountered in Adult Literacy Centres in the North West Province with special reference to Taung Area and possible solutions

Abstract

The focus point of this research project is literacy. This is a common subject that has been, and still is given a lot of attention all over the world. It goes without saying that, as a result, a lot is written about literacy. The main concern here is generally problems encountered in this field, with more emphasis on students, materials, content, methods and tutors of adults in literacy programmes in Taung Area. This research project presents literacy situation generally in South Africa. A general scope of literature on the 4 areas of concern in this project is given. The gathering of data was conducted in 4 adult centres in Taung area, where Literacy classes are offered. The data was collected by means of questionnaires given to both adult learners and tutors of these adult learners. The findings indicate that problems are still encountered in adult literacy classes that are related to relationships between the learners and tutors, methods not actually andragogical and the unavailability of learning and teaching aids. The orientation of this study, the statement of the problem the hypothesis, the purpose of the study, methods used and the definition of terms are dealt with. Literature centering around this topic is widely highlighted. General literature related to the topic is reviewed and literature related to South Africa, as far as literacy is concerned, i.e tutors of adults, adult learners, method used in teaching adults and material used in this field, is also reviewed. The data that was collected analysed, and interpreted. This was done mostly in line with the five mentioned areas of concern in this project. Conclusions reached after the data was analysed and interpreted. The conclusions are drawn from the areas of concern in this study. The last part of this research focuses on solutions. These solutions are drawn from the literature that was reviewed and also mostly on what the South African Department of Education intends implementing as from the year 1998, in order to better Adult Education and Training generally in South Africa. Some recommendation based on what has been studied in this project are also given by the researcher.