Understanding the effects of training programs for vulnerable adults on social inclusion as part of continuing education

M. de Greef*, M.S.R. Segers, D. Verte

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

According to the increasing rates of unemployment and poverty a significant share of the european population can be considered at-risk-of-social exclusion. In order to combat social exclusion adult education seemed to be a possible tool, which can increase social inclusion among adult learners. This study explores factors relating to training programs considered as adult and continuing education which enhance social inclusion for vulnerable adults and their life environment. The results indicate that after following the training programs as part of continuing learning, the participants show a significant increase in activation and internalisation as well as participation and connection (as processes of social inclusion). Moreover, non-parametric correlation analysis and logistical regression analysis shows that the training design feature transfer possibilities is significantly related to the increase of almost all social inclusion variables. Besides this direct surroundings and learning contents and activities only significantly relates to the increase of social inclusion variables of activation and internalisation and care to the social inclusion variables of participation and connection.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)357-380
JournalStudies in Continuing Education
Volume34
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2012

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