ABSTRACT

The study assessed factors that promote adult learning in adult literacy centres in Plateau state. Descriptive survey design was used for the study. Three research questions and three null hypotheses guided the study. A sample size of 896 respondents comprising 723 adult learners and 173 facilitators in adult literacy centres in Plateau State, were drawn through the use of proportionate stratified random sampling technique from a target population of 8,959. A 4-point rating scale questionnaire with face and face validity ascertained by three experts were used to collect data. Reliability index values of 0.64, 0.73 and 0.69 respectively for the three clusters as a measure of internal consistency was obtained through Cronbach Alpha method. The 896 copies of questionnaires were administered with the help of three briefed research assistants through on the spot administration method. All the 896 copies of the instrument were returned and used for data analysis. Research questions were answered using mean score of 896, while the hypotheses were tested using t-test analyses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that the economic factor promotes adult learning in adult literacy programme to a low extent, and the educational factor also promotes adult learning in adult literacy programme to a low extent in Plateau State. While psychological factor promotes adult learning in adult literacy programme to a high extent in the State. Therefore, the study concludes that economic and educational factors promote adult learning in adult literacy programme to a low extent in Plateau State. The researcher therefore recommended that: Government should sensitize people on the economic needs of adult literacy centres in Plateau state; Government at all levels including local leaders should as matter of importance enlighten the youths/adults on what they stand to gain educationally in adult literacy programme. In order to improve enrolment, retention and completion of adult learners psychologically, there is the need for increased sensitization and mobilization of the populace by government at all levels and Facilitators should be trained to understand the psychological makeup of adult learners before planning their content and before making up their minds on the choice of relevant methodology.