Realization of Time as a Resource in the Practice of Adult Education: The Case of COBET Programme in Dar es Salaam Region

Abstract

This study investigated the extent to which time is realized as a resource in Complementary Basic Education in Tanzania (COBET) programme.
The study was guided by the following two questions: How is COBET programme related to adult education? To what extent is time valued as an important resource in COBET programme? This study, which is inclined to a basic interpretative approach, was conducted in Dar es Salaam, mainly through direct observation and interviews administered to COBET class teachers and heads of learning centres. Documentary review on nature of COBET programme was also done. Findings from the study revealed that COBET programme is not purely adult education, and consequently, consideration of time as an important attribute of adult learning is not effectively taken care of. Moreover, learners’ attendance schedules and teaching and learning methods make learners perceive themselves to be like pupils who are in a normal formal schooling system. Generally, time is not perceived as a very vital resource as adult learners are expected to do. The paper challenges researchers in adult education, policy makers and COBET implementers to pay required attention on time factor with intention of accentuating the value of time to the adult learners.