Factors affecting learning capacity of information technology concepts in a classroom environment of adult learner

Abstract

Research in adult multicultural education is sparse. Andragogy (by Knowles) describes the Art and Science of teaching adults. When teaching, educators have to take the adult as an experienced, self-directed and task oriented individual into consideration and be culturally intelligent. In addition, contemporary education in the technology field requires an approach, which is interactive, task oriented and focused on solving real-life problems. Educators, at RIMC/IMTC, at the U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt, are faced with challenges like, multiculturalism, understanding adult education, and teaching IT concepts to these populations. As a work-related project, the investigator conducted the aforementioned research at RIMC/IMTC located at the U.S. Consulate General, Frankfurt. Current research is concerned with whether Andragogy can be applied to adults from different cultural backgrounds at IMTC Frankfurt. Specifically, the intent of the investigation is to determinewhether cultural factors have an impact on adults learning IT concepts at IMTC Frankfurt.