PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT NEEDS OF ADULT EDUCATORS IN THE FIFTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

The fifth industrial revolution (5IR) is gradually transforming the mode and process of adult education; therefore, adult educators are required to upskill necessary capacities and competencies to remain very relevant in this era. This study was conducted to investigate the professional development needs of adult educators in the fifth industrial revolution in Rivers state through a mixed-method approach, A survey was conducted on eighty (80) adult educators in the formal and non-formal sectors and in-depth interviews carried out on 6 key informants. The results revealed the existing gaps among adult educators. The study also, disclosed the need to integrate evolving technological trends to facilitate adult learning process. Based on this reason, this study highlighted the needs for collaboration, critical thinking and emotional intelligence to facilitate knowledge and skills that support the process of navigating the complexities in the pedagogical process. Finally, inference was drawn based on the findings of the study and recommendations made for the improvement of adult educator professional skills.