AGEING POPULATION PERCEPTIONS ON EXPECTED LEARNING CONTENTS AND AGEING-CENTERED MODES IN THE SIX GEO-POLITICAL ZONES OF NIGERIA

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to determine perceptions of ageing population on preferred learning contents and modes towards possible consideration into existing adult life-long open education curriculum in Nigeria. The method involves descriptive, cross-sectional survey design with 378 adult retirees. Data collection instrument was, Ageing Perceived Learning Contents and Modes Scale’. Percentages and t – test statistic was used to analyse the data. The results indicated 61.90 years as mean age, perceived learning contents were, activities for group with specific knowledge and abilities (59=15.61%); preventing security threat (71=18.78%); modalities for starting a petty trading and skill acquisitions (51=13.49%); diverse family and community roles (41=10.85%); ageing social and health care (65=17.19%); changes in legislations and policies (43=11.38%) and favoured learning modes indicated, life-long open education and learning for adult later life (39=10.32%); use of technological innovations (59=15.61%); consideration of gender, culture and economic status (121=32.01%). The result also discovered a significant gender difference on preferred learning contents (t = 4.69 < 2.101) and learning modes (t = 2.91< 1.957) among participants. The study concluded that dynamic of ageing preferred learning contents and modes calls for consideration on exiting adult life-long open education curriculum in Nigeria and other similar areas.

Keywords: ageing population; learning contents; ageing-centered learning modes.