Adult Community Education
What is Adult Community Education?
Adult Community Education programmes are funded by the South Australian Department for Education to be delivered from many of our community centres and also by local councils, libraries and other community-based organisations.
These programmes are community-based learning programs. They support members of our communities to begin their adult learning journey. Often the programs are taken by people who want to participate in learning and further training to increase their employability opportunities or life skills, but who face social and economic barriers to participation in a more formal learning setting.
The community learning programme tutors are often local community members (many of whom have started off as volunteers in their local centre). Community Centres SA have supported the community centre to train them to become tutors. The community centre receives funding to deliver the programme.
The programmes focus on what is known as “foundation skills” – English language, English literacy and numeracy. It involves learning about listening, speaking, reading, writing, digital literacy and use of mathematical ideas.
They can also involve employability skills – collaboration, problem-solving, self-management, learning and information and communication technology required for participation in modern workplaces and contemporary life.
Centres can choose which programmes to deliver based on their own community needs.
Regional Data
Resources for Adult Community Educators and Mentors
CCSA hosts FREE Adult Community Workshops for ACE coordinators, administrators and trainers. Discuss pertinent topics with others from the same sector and help your learners get the most out of your courses. Register via Humanitix to receive webinar details.
Looking for more opportunities for professional development? Check out our Professional Development page.
Looking for ACE courses for your learners? Check out our Community Learning Foundation Skills courses.
Useful Documents and Templates
Some of these resources are dated but are still considered useful.
ACE Information Session – Which Unit and Why
Create your own Program – Mapping to a Unit
Observations of Learner Outcomes
Work Health and Safety Training and Learning Plan – Overview
Videos
How to Conduct an Upfront Assessment of Need (UAN)
This 12 minutes video is designed to provide ACE trainers with skills and knowledge in:
- The definition and purpose of an Upfront Assessment of Needs (UAN)
- How to conduct an UAN
- How to evaluate UAN outcomes
- How to complete the Individual Training Plan
Learner Outcomes - Zoe's Journey
The Adult Community Education (ACE) program delivered in many community centres returns an economic benefit of up to 6.5 times the investment over 5 years.
Zoe uses her own story to connect with those she works with at the open and non-judgement learning environment of the Pooraka Farm Community Centre, in relation to Adult Community Education. Watch her story to find out how important it is to have a place where you feel like you belong and that sharing your experience can help others.
Learner Outcomes - Aaron's Story
Through a pilot program developed by CCSA, Aaron overcame significant barriers to achieve his dream of both education and employment. This was achieved through attending an ACE program to develop his literacy skills, which led to further formal education. This transformed his life to be treated as an equal, empowered him and allowed him to participate meaningfully in our society.
Community Centres SA has developed a series of free webinars for ACE providers. Our aim is to bring professional development to you – anytime, anywhere – so you never miss out!
Example Course Programs
These off the shelf Adult Community Education training courses were developed by Community Centres SA. They are available freely to you for your adaption!
