Adult learners’ perception on the use of constructivist principles in teaching and learning in non-formal education centres in South Africa

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article analyses the perceptions of adult learners towards the use of constructivist approach in teaching and learning in non-formal education (NFE) centres of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The analysis is based on five principles of the constructivist theory of learning-interactive learning, collaborative learning, facilitating learning, authentic learning and learner-centred learning. The researcher used the mixed of stratified and purposive sampling methods to select six NFE centres and 12 (out of 200) learners who studied skills training and became self-employed. The data collection techniques were semi-structured interviews. From learners’ perceptions, the findings reveal that the use of the constructivist principles enhanced or influenced adult learners’ educational attainment in offering learners with experiences ranging from vocational skills to real-life problem-solving. Therefore, the researchers conclude that adult learners were motivated in learning new skills when facilitated using the constructivist approach. The practical and policy implication of the findings is that adult facilitators and managers of NFE programmes should take into consideration the constructivist approach of teaching and learning when designing the curriculum of non-formal education and training.