|
3.5. DATA COLLECTION Data were collected on four components of ABE programs and on the learning and related needs of women who attend these programs. Data were gathered to obtain descriptive information on four components of ABE programs in Canada: program delivery, instructors, curriculum, and materials. Program Delivery (including supplementary services) "Program delivery" refers to the way in which the programs are provided. Are they provided, full-time or part-time? When may students enter -- once a year, twice a year? Do they provide support services such as childcare, career counselling, and so on? These are some of the questions that can be asked about the delivery of ABE programs. ( See Sections A and B of the questionnaire.) Instructors of ABE programs It is not enough to inquire about the way in which programs are provided. One must also seek information about those who directly provide the programs - the instructors, although one might argue that instructors are part of the program delivery model. Given the fact that 52 percent of the under-educated populations are women and that 87 percent of under-educated women are 35 years and over, it was deemed appropriate to ask questions about the sex and age of instructors, and about their training and experience in teaching adults. For example, it was argued in Chapter 1 that under-educated women need to be taught basic science skills. How many ABE teachers have a background in science education? Curriculum Curriculum is a term with a variety of meanings; educators are divided with respect to a common definition. For the purposes of this research, "curriculum" was used to refers mainly to the content and focus of the program and to the format in which the content is taught. It also refers to pre-set curriculum such as Laubach, BLADE, LINC, and so on. Materials Although it can be argued that the materials used in the provision of an educational program are part of the curriculum, for the purposes of this research, a distinction was made. "Materials" in this study refers mainly to the print and electronic media used by both teachers and students. ( See Section F in the questionnaire.) |
| Back | Contents | Next |