Students

Adult learning

Summary: Information about returning to learning as an adult, including types of qualifications and how RNIB can support you.

• Why go back to learning?
• How RNIB can support you
• Courses and qualifications
• Anxious about returning to learning?
• Stories from adult learners

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Why go back to learning?

There are many reasons why adults sign up for courses. You might:

• do an evening class simply for your own enjoyment
• learn new skills to aim for a qualification
• retrain for a different job because of sight loss
• get some extra help with reading, writing and maths skills.

How RNIB can support you

• Returning to learning - how RNIB can help

Courses and qualifications

• Skills for life courses - build your confidence in literacy, numeracy, speaking, reading and writing.
• Entry level qualifications or certificates - GCSEs and foundation level courses.
• Access and A level courses - courses to prepare you for higher education.
• Degree courses - taken at university and higher education establishments.
• Vocational qualifications - courses improving your job skills.
• Postgraduate qualifications - courses available to graduates.

Anxious about returning to learning?

Many adults who are thinking of returning to learning are anxious because they didn’t enjoy their experience of school or college the first time round. However, studying at college is usually very different from studying at school.

Many tutors in Further Education will be aware that you may be anxious about learning, taking exams and tackling new subjects. But learning is not all about sitting behind a desk - many courses use a variety of teaching methods, such as pair work or class discussion.

Assessment doesn't always involve taking exams. It can include coursework, portfolios, doing projects, giving presentations and practical assessments.

Stories from adult learners

• Stephen, 49, had worked for many years as a sewing machine engineer. He decided to retrain in IT after losing his sight due to glaucoma. Returning to learning - Stephen's story
• Jayne, 38, had been intending to return to work as a driving instructor after her son began infant school. However, when she began to lose her sight, she realised she would need to rethink her future career. Returning to learning - Jayne's story

Student homepage | Before you go | Adult education | Study advice | Student life | Life after college

Content author: studentsite@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 20/10/2008 16:12