I do not want to discount that the women do, in fact, have questions in mind about the books.As andragogy states, the women do come to our program with life experience, questions, and ideas.I believe that my students simply need support in building the confidence in their ability to produce their own questions.This increase in self-assurance will boost the spirit and lead to an even greater sense of independence.All of us, although at different stages as lifelong learners, are continuously traveling towards the fixed center on the spiral of finding the self.

I recognize that not only is andragogy in the classroom new for some teachers, but it is also new for students.I notice that my students are used to rigid learning environments where the teacher is the “voice of authority.”I feel it is important to point out that sometimes students are uncomfortable with the freedom and openness of the participatory classroom, especially those who come from cultures, who severely punish those who disobey authority.As the PREP program stresses flexibility as virtue in the adult literacy classroom, I constantly strive to find a balance between sufficient structure and freedom in the curriculum.However, as described above, if the process of inquiry is taken step-by-step, the students will become more comfortable with it.Likewise, the women will hopefully grow more accustomed to a more relaxed style in the participatory classroom.