Researching returns emanating from participation in adult education courses: a quantitative approach

Abstract

Throughout contemporary literature, participants in adult education courses have been reported to acquire knowledge and skills, develop understanding and enhance self-confidence, parameters that induce changes in their personal lives, while enabling them to play a more active role in their family, community or work. In this vein, a large-scale, nationally representative survey was conducted, with the aim of recording the views of beneficiaries in Greece on the wider outcomes having derived from their participation in adult education courses. Quantitative data were retrieved through questionnaires administered to a random sample of 1500 individuals having participated in general adult education courses, at pan-Hellenic level, whilst data underwent descriptive statistical analysis as well as multidimensional, multivariate analysis. Findings highlighted that substantial benefits have been realised in the fields of qualifications and skills, self-concept and social relations, whilst ‘disadvantaged’ individuals appear to have reported increased benefits, as a result of their participation in educational courses. The findings entail considerable practical and theoretical significance for adult education and its substantial contribution at socio-economic level, as a means of facilitating social inclusion and enhancing economic growth, whilst they provide a basis for further research.