The personal benefits of adult education are always talked about and are well-documented. Although the individual student is the one who often reaps the most reward, many find that embarking on an adult education course has secondary implications, often improving relationships with their children.
The increase in confidence an adult education programme provides means that parents are more likely to have a greater understanding and interest in the education of their children, strengthening bonds and relationships. It has been found that parents who study are more likely to be comfortable speaking to members of school staff and usually have active roles and relationships within their child’s school.
According to a recent study by The Workers’ Educational Association, Mature students feel more comfortable and confident helping their children with tasks such as reading, writing and maths since enrolling on a course. This has a knock-on effect – it has been observed that the children of mature learners work at improved standards of literacy and numeracy and often display an impressive development of pre-literary skills.
It has been found that the children of parents who embark on further study are more likely to value education. Usually, a child’s biggest role-model is their parent and a parent’s behaviour has a big part to play in the way a child develops; this includes shaping their attitudes. The child’s awareness that education is an activity which has a place throughout all stages of life can have real positive effects in terms of outlook and behaviour towards learning.
There are a wide range of reasons which attract parents to enrol on a higher-education course, usually for personal gain. But, by demonstrating to children the opportunity and advantages learning provides, adult education can build the foundations for a healthy attitude towards education in your child.