Adult Educators’ Perception and Application of Paulo Freire Problem-Solving Techniques in Training of Adult Learners in Awka South Local Government Area

Abstract

This paper determined the level of adult educators’ perception and the extent of the application of the Paulo Freire problem-solving techniques in the training of adult learners in Awka-South LGA of Anambra State. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised all the 89 adult educators in the 13 adult literacy centres in Awka South LGA of Anambra State. No sample size was drawn due to the manageable size of the population. Hence the total population was used for the study. Three research questions guided the study. The instrument titled “Questionnaire on the Relevance of Paulo Freire Problem Solving Techniques for Training” (QRPFPSTT) was developed by the researchers. The instrument was subjected to face validity by two experts. Cronbach Alpha was used to test the internal consistency of the instrument and it yielded an overall coefficient value 0.78. Arithmetic mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions. The findings revealed that adult educators’ level of understanding and application of Paulo Freire’s problem-solving techniques is on a low level. It was found that adult educators agreed on the positive impacts of Paulo Freire’s problem-solving techniques on critical thinking and decision-making skills of adult learners; and Paulo Freire’s problem-solving techniques addressed the learning needs and socio-economic challenges of adult learners to a high extent but did not equip adult learners with skills to tackle unemployment and some economic issues. It was recommended, amongst others, that professional development programs should be provided for adult educators to further refine their skills in applying Freire’s methods effectively while the need for practical engagement and participatory teaching were emphasized.