What Is Adult Continuing Education?
There are different types of adult education, and many reasons for taking a course after you have left school. Sometimes it is about catching up on the education you missed when you were younger. Many people in the United States do not finish high school, and have a limited reading and writing proficiency. Fortunately, through adult continuing education, many people are now able to get a second chance at finishing their education and improving their skills.
There are other factors that draw people back to enrolling in courses after they have left school. With rapidly changing demands in the workplace, many people need to learn new skills, so they can progress in their current job, or train for a new career.
Some people might also need to learn English as a second language, especially if they immigrate to an English-speaking country.
Lots of people also enter the world of adult education simply for enjoyment. They might want to learn a new hobby or might be interested in taking a yoga class for self-improvement. For others it is a great way to make new friends.
It’s never too late to learn a new skill!
Application Deadlines
Once you have decided what you want to learn you should familiarize yourself with the application process. A very important part of the process is making sure you apply on time. When to apply varies depending on the course and the college or training center.
As a rule, you normally have to apply further in advance for more formal courses, especially those that offer formal qualification. Other less formal courses might enrol students right up until the class begins.
However, even if there is no formal deadline for applications, popular classes usually fill up quickly, so it’s always a good idea to apply well in advance. When you find the course you are interested in, you should check their website well in advance and gather all the information you need about how and when to apply.
The Benefits of Adult Continuing Education
There are many benefits to adult continuing education. One of the most obvious benefits is the chance to improve your job prospects. It is harder to get a good job without any qualifications. Even if you have some qualifications, gaining new skills will help you progress in your chosen career, or even make a change and do something completely different.
For anyone taking the naturalization test to become a US citizen, a good level of English is required. In this case, enrolling in an English language course can literally change your life.
Many people find enrolling in adult continuing education has unexpected benefits in addition to gaining qualifications and new skills. They often say they enjoy the social aspects of the course and report improved levels of confidence and well-being. This is often the case among students taking basic level educational courses to their GED.
And the social benefit should not be underestimated, as we now live in a society where loneliness among adults of all ages if becoming a modern epidemic.
What to Expect
It can be quite intimidating to return to school as an adult. It might have been a long time since you entered a classroom, or you may have negative memories from previous learning experiences.
Different learning centers, ranging from colleges to community education centers, offer very different experiences. Each one will have its own unique learning environment, and you should find one that fits your learning style. You may also find yourself in classes with people of many different ages and backgrounds.
Teaching styles vary depending on what where you are studying. Teaching might take place through formal lectures, group work, or even more self-directed learning using videos and virtual learning environments.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to find out more about your chosen place of study before you arrive. They might have an open day where you can look around and ask questions. Have a good look over their website. Even seeing photographs will give you a bit of a feel for the place.
Most will have good FAQ pages, and might even have a place you can ask questions that will be answered by a recent student. These options are there to help you so make use of them so that you can embark on your new educational journey with total confidence.
