Competencies of adult education facilitators - transnational comparison (India, Lithuania and Latvia)

Abstract

Adult education is viewed as a means for promotion of human resource development. The quality of the human resources is based on the level of education, competencies and values possessed by the people. The pace of development is varied among different countries in view of their culture, traditions and the profile of the population. Adult education facilitators (AEFs) play a prominent role by virtue of their performance, commitment, sincerity and professionalism. Hence, in view of the important role played by the AEFs, emerged a number of methods for measuring their competencies. Delphi Technique is one such method popularly used universally. This method has provisions to measure not only the current competencies but also assesses the competencies required for future. A transnational study was conducted in India, Lithuania and Latvia by using the Transnational Delphi Survey developed in the frame of the project “Qualified to Teach” − QF2TEACH (2009-2011). For the purpose of the study, samples from India (n=90), Latvia (n=118) and Lithuania (n=108) were consulted. The data obtained was pooled in and generalized in the first phase of the study. In the second phase, transnational comparison was made for current competencies and future requirements. The present paper outlines the main findings of the transnational study conducted in 2011-2013. It offers an insight into the current status of the competencies possessed and future requirements of the AEFs.