Foundations of Adult Education

Course code PIDP 3100

Credit 3.0

Length 45.0 hours

Course outline View

The Foundations of Adult Education course introduces participants to key elements from the background and theory of adult education and the cognitive sciences. They will discuss the characteristics of the adult learner and adult learning, and outline key roles of the adult educator. In addition, participants will develop skills related to reflective practice, communication, and the use of learning tools. They will use search strategies to access resources which they will require in their work. Participants will be introduced to concepts and techniques used to plan for teaching and learning. They will examine ways to create positive environments for learning in courses, workshops, presentations, and short forms of on-the-job training.

Prerequisites

Course type

This is a standalone course that can be taken individually without enrolling in a VCC program.
International students: Contact [email protected] to confirm whether this course is available to international students.

  • Positive learning environments
  • Online database searches
  • Adult education philosophies, theories, teaching perspectives, roles
  • Communication skills
  • Reflective practice
  • Cognitive sciences research

1. Actual curriculum products / portfolio created and used by the applicant in their workplace which are judged equivalent to course assignments.
2. A successful interview with the SIE Department Head or delegate.
3. An essay that describes the development of their thinking on the themes, issues, and concepts in the course.

For more information or register to this course, please contact the School of Instructor Education at 604.871.7488 or 604.871.7499 or by email at [email protected].

Course schedules

Select your program to see the available course schedules.

CRN# Duration Delivery Location
70197 December 7, 2026
to February 21, 2027
Online Online See full schedule Register
70199 September 8, 2026
to November 15, 2026
Online Online See full schedule
70219 October 5, 2026
to December 13, 2026
Online Online See full schedule
70239 November 2, 2026
to January 24, 2027
Online Online See full schedule Register

Online courses listed without scheduled meeting times can be completed on your own schedule. All self-paced courses have on-campus tests. Off-site certified invigilation centres may be used at the student's expense.

CRN# Duration Delivery Location
40110 January 4, 2027
to March 12, 2027
Online Online See full schedule Register
40111 March 1, 2027
to May 9, 2027
Online Online See full schedule Register
40149 February 1, 2027
to April 11, 2027
Online Online See full schedule Register

Online courses listed without scheduled meeting times can be completed on your own schedule. All self-paced courses have on-campus tests. Off-site certified invigilation centres may be used at the student's expense.

Contact us

If you have any questions, please email at [email protected].

† This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.

Indigenous Territory Acknowledgment

VCC is located on the traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples who have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial.