Supporting and hindering factors to adults in the process of learning English in non-formal education

Abstract

Lifelong learning is considered to be of great importance in the whole world, including Estonia. Goals set in education in Estonia prioritise learning other languages as well as increasing the number of adults in lifelong learning generally. Although the number of adult learners in Estonia is increasing every year, more adults could be engaged in non-formal education. Thus, it is of high priority to enhance the quality of courses tailored to adults. The purpose of this thesis is to investigate, which factors support or hinder adult learners enrolled at a non-formal education centre learning English. There are two research questions: 1. What factors support learning English as reported by adult learners in non-formal education? and 2. What factors hinder learning English as reported by adult learners in non-formal education?