Factors that influence students' performance in Adult Education: a case of early childhood education at University of Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Abstract: Adult education is continuously becoming more popular and widely accepted in Kenya since many of the higher institutions of learning in the country continue to record high numbers of enrollment from the older adults as compared to earlier years. This growth in the number of students, that can be considered as older adults in universities, has accorded this group of learners attention with much research being conducted in order to understand the need for continuing education. This paper seeks to highlight the various challenges that the mature adult learners face while undertaking their degree programmes. Data was collected from 226 adult learners in early childhood education by use of questionnaires. The findings of the study were presented in tables using percentages and frequencies. The study found that challenges such as difficulties in coping with family and work commitments, the need to have prerequisite information technology skill as well as a lack of family support are some of the challenges that factor in on the final academic results of the adult learners. The study concludes that adult learners require a lot of support from their colleagues at their places of work, community, and campus for them to concentrate in their studies without unnecessary stress.