Neformaliojo švietimo organizavimo galimybės suaugusiųjų gimnazijoje
Recenzentas / Rewiewer |
Licencinė sutartis Nr. MRU-EDT-1744.
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The aim of this master's thesis is to reveal the possibilities for organizing non-formal education in adult gymnasiums. The first part of the thesis discusses why non-formal education is important for adult learners. The second part analyzes the specific features of adult general education schools. The third part is dedicated to the methodology of the study and the presentation of research results related to the organization and implementation of non-formal education activities. The study applies qualitative research methods. The data were collected through semi- structured interviews with six participants – heads of adult gymnasiums. The research data were analyzed using the qualitative content analysis method. The results revealed that non-formal adult education enables learners to improve their competencies and skills, experience personal satisfaction, fulfill unachieved desires and dreams, and find like-minded people. In adult gymnasiums, non-formal education is organized according to the possibilities of the institution and the needs of learners. Responding to learners' needs, school leaders replace long-term non-formal education programs with short-term or one-time activities: concerts, exhibitions, trips, excursions, educational sessions, and similar events are organized. Opportunities to participate in project-based activities, events held by social partners, as well as city and national initiatives, are also utilized. Heads of adult gymnasiums offer some non-formal education activities for a symbolic fee to adults who are not students at the gymnasium. With the help of volunteers, free one-time activities are also offered to anyone who wants to join. Challenges in organizing non-formal education include the lack of time among adult learners, a shortage of suitable spaces, the low importance given to non-formal education in education policy, and teacher fatigue caused by heavy workloads or lack of motivation due to limited learner engagement. Despite these difficulties, efforts are made to ensure the quality of non- formal activities by organizing attractive learning experiences, inviting charismatic lecturers, and cooperating with NGOs and social partners. The analysis also revealed that learning opportunities related to languages and engineering are not being fully used. Heads of adult gymnasiums suggest integrating non-formal education into formal education and using it to support career guidance. It was also noted that socially disadvantaged groups should be more involved in non-formal education activities.