Vision,  Mission and Philosophy

Vision

New Britain Adult Education will increase a student’s ability to succeed in post-secondary education by delivering a high-quality education with instructional activities based on scientific research, effective use of technology, and assessment to ensure that students are enrolled in a program that meets their goals and objectives.

Mission

The Mission of New Britain Adult Education is to assist all students to become literate and gain the knowledge and skills necessary to advance in their career choices through effective, high-quality education while partnering with community agencies. 

Philosophy

1. Lifelong Learning: Adult education should be grounded in the belief that learning is a continuous and lifelong process. It should empower adults to acquire new knowledge, skills, and competencies at any stage of their lives.

2. Self-Directed Learning: Adult learners should be encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning. This philosophy values self-directed learning, where adults set their own goals, pace, and direction of learning, and educators serve as facilitators and resources.

3. Relevance and Practicality: Adult education should focus on real-world applicability. It should address the needs and interests of adult learners, connecting theoretical concepts to practical situations in their personal and professional lives.

4. Diverse Learning Pathways: Recognize and respect the diversity of adult learners. People come to adult education with various backgrounds, experiences, and motivations. Programs should offer a variety of learning pathways, allowing learners to choose the most suitable approaches.

5. Experiential Learning: Emphasize the importance of experiential learning, where adults actively engage with the subject matter through hands-on experiences, problem-solving, and critical reflection.

6. Critical Thinking and Reflection: Encourage adults to think critically, question assumptions, and engage in reflective practices. This fosters a deeper understanding of the subject matter and the ability to apply knowledge in various contexts.

7. Collaborative Learning: Promote collaborative learning environments that encourage the exchange of ideas, experiences, and perspectives among adult learners. Peer interaction and group work can enrich the learning process.

8. Respect for Prior Knowledge: Acknowledge and build upon the prior knowledge and experiences of adult learners. This philosophy values the wealth of life experiences that adults bring to the educational setting.

9. Flexibility and Accessibility: Adult education should be flexible and accessible to accommodate the diverse needs of adult learners. This may include evening classes, online courses, and other options that fit into adults' busy lives.

10. Social and Civic Engagement: Adult education should instill a sense of social responsibility and civic engagement. It should prepare adults to be informed and active participants in their communities and society.

11. Holistic Development: Adult education should focus on holistic development, not just academic or vocational skills but also personal growth, well-being, and a sense of purpose.

12. Assessment for Learning: Use formative assessment methods that help adult learners understand their progress and provide opportunities for improvement. Avoid excessive emphasis on summative assessments that might deter adult learners.

13. Continuous Improvement: Adult education providers should continually assess and refine their programs to adapt to changing needs, technological advancements, and emerging trends in adult learning.

14. Ethics and Integrity: Uphold the highest ethical standards in adult education, ensuring that programs are conducted with integrity and respect for adult learners.

15. Advocacy and Policy: Advocate for policies and resources that support and promote adult education as a fundamental part of a lifelong learning system.

This philosophy for adult education seeks to create a dynamic and inclusive environment that empowers adults to learn, grow, and contribute to society throughout their lives, while recognizing their unique characteristics and needs.