The relationship between human resource development and adult education

Adult Education: Lesson

©2003-2009

Adult Education Lesson

Lesson

Human Resource Development and Adult Education

Human Resource Development should fall under the larger umbrella of Adult Education for several reasons. First, according to Merriam (1984), one of the primary reasons adults learn is "out of a need to face the tasks they encounter during the course of their development." Many of those tasks Merriam describes are challenges that adults face in the workplace. Secondly, as business systems change, adults need to be able to meet those challenges. Last, since there is such a great overlap between HRD and AE, it is in the "best interests of the student and the educational institution but also of the business community to eliminate redundant programs" (Grubb, 1998).

BMCC: Provider of Adult Education

The BMCC Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development through the City of New York offers a wide variety of classes in business management, career planning, personal development, and English language development. Career training classes offer programs in construction, real estate and computer software; business management offers classes in project management, entrepreneurship and finance; career planning offers assistance to people who need to develop interview or resume-writing skills; personal development offers classes in modern languages and local history; and ESL offers help with second language development and college preparation. The tuition rates vary depending upon the class that is being taken. Some of the classes are free of charge, such as the ACT Math, Reading and Writing workshops that are designed for college students who need help with basic college skills. Other courses are reasonably priced, such as "Writing an Effective Resume & Cover Letter," which is only $20.00. Some courses are priced considerably higher, such as "Phlebotomy Technician Training," which is $1,500.00. These courses are open to any adult who is interested in continuing his or her education. They have programs specifically designed for seniors, such as adult or senior lap swim, and they have a wide range of classes for both ESL teachers and second-language learners. The BMCC offers classes that satisfy a wide range of adult learning needs, from personal interest to college and career development.