An example of a classroom in jailAn example of a 3D printer with PLATheoretical BackgroundA program is effective and efficient to the extent that it is well-planned, well-organized and153DJail printing the future – IO2
sustainable. Training targeted at adults cannot be based on random choices. On the contrary, it mustbe planned and designed meticulously and diligently. A well-planned training program is needed. Thistraining program is at the very core of training/education. Thus, an adult training program is definedas the projection of future with its content, principles, styles of thought and methods (Foley, 2004).The process of developing an adult training program includes elements such as “needs, goal, content,learning and teaching processes, and assessment” and components such as “timing of the program,budget planning and announcing the program to participants”. In general, there are three approachesto the development of a training program (Nashasibi & Watters, 2003):●●●Programs based on courses: This is the most commonly used approach in training programsand practices. In this approach, the subject matter is central to program design.Programs based on problems: At the core of this approach is the idea of creating individualsthat are equipped with skills to solve important social problems and that have a say aboutsocial issues, and thus creating a healthy society.Programs based on activities: This approach relies on the premise that learners are central toand subject of the training process. Programs based on activities adopt the principle thatlearning occurs only when learners are involved in the learning process.When the structure of adult education is considered, an adult training program needs to be groundedon a learner-centered approach rather than a subject-centered one. Thus, a training program targetedat adults needs to be learner-centered and problem-centered.An adult training program is defined as the whole of activities and the decision-making processdesigned for adult learners (Sork & Cafferella,1989, 23). Adult training programs are dynamic andongoing processes that are frequently reshaped and redesigned according to needs of individualsliving in continuously evolving societies. Program developers must consider factors such as existingmaterials and equipment, teaching staff, financial resources, time/timing and interpersonalrelationships (Nashasibi & Watters, 2003; Sork & Newman, 2004).In recent years, a modular approach to adult education has been adopted. Modular education is alearner-centered and individualized/customized teaching and learning approach. As this definitionsuggests, a modular training program caters to needs and principles of adult training, correspondingto problem- and activity-based design in adult training (Sork & Cafferella,1989; Sork & Newman, 2004).Modular programs, by their very nature, require a modular content design. In other words, the trainingprogram must consist of modules. In this type of organization, modules in a certain structure mustfollow a systematic order. Thus, each module aims to ensure that participants acquire knowledge andskills to achieve a certain competence (Nashasibi & Watters, 2003; Sork & Newman, 2004).The benefits of a modular training program may be listed as follows (Nashasibi & Watters, 2003; Sork& Cafferella,1989; Sork & Newman, 2004):●●●●●●Participants are provided with the opportunity to acquire skills that match their needs andinterests.Training is not restricted with information resources available in the learning environment.There is up-to-date and intensive flow of information from real life.It allows individual teaching.It is easier for participants to use their previous experience and knowledge in the classroom.Participants can enter and leave the program freely.Participants can transfer between programs.A modular training program provides adult learners with the following opportunities (Nashasibi &Watters, 2003; Sork & Cafferella,1989; Sork & Newman, 2004):● Practical,● Easily understandable,● Integrated,● Closely related with a product,● Provides the whole of knowledge, skills and attitudes that comprise a part of a profession.163DJail printing the future – IO2