2. Presentation outline
Overview of relevant policies
Brief profile of the adult learner
Barriers to participation in education
Gender specific barriers to participation
Original programme BA Honours Early Childhood
Care Education (ECCE)
New structure
3. Lifelong Learner
Learning for life: White Paper on Adult Education
(2000)
Workforce development (2010)
Hunt Report (2011)
Australian and Scottish Early Years Strategies
Pending Irish Early Years Strategy
4. Profile of the adult learner
Non-traditional entrant (Quinn, 2006)
Motivated to learn (Knowles, 1984)
Personal Growth (Rodgers, 1983)
6. Barriers to female participation
Psychological demands associated with multiple
role responsibilities inclusive of:
carer and employee (Patterson and Dowd, 2010;
Aontas, 2002; Howell, 2002; Department of
Education and Science 2000; Sperling, 1991)
7. The BA Hons Early Childhood Care and
Education (ECCE) part-time programme
September 2006
Complex programme
Cohort eleven students
Two evenings per week (7-10pm)
12 Saturdays over year
Cost approx €2,500 year
Over 6 years
Early exit
No viable cohort since 2006 on original structure
8. Reflection and change
Reflection on practice (Schön, 1983)
New programme emerged
A greater understanding of consumers
Two full days face to face contact (Friday & Saturday)
Alternate weekends for 12 weekends over the academic
year
Flexible learning and delivery
Completion 4.5 years
Identical to full-time BA Hons ECCE programme
Placements can be completed over summer
Two placements, option to RPL one placement if
appropriate
9. Current student cohort
Viable intake in 2011
20 adult learners
One withdrawal due to significant family
commitments
4 new babies born to students during the year and all
mothers returned to programme
Positive feedback from students
10. Future plans
Template for other programmes in the department
Disseminate programme to wider audience
Outreach