Innovative Pedagogies in Adult Education During Pandemic Disruptions
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic precipitated an abrupt shift from conventional in-person instruction to remote and hybrid modes of delivery across adult education sectors worldwide. In response, educators devised a spectrum of innovative pedagogical approaches to sustain learning continuity, enhance engagement and address inequities. Central strategies included emergency remote teaching, which repurposed digital platforms for rapid course rollout; competency-based hybrid learning, characterised by modular mastery benchmarks and a blend of synchronous and asynchronous activities; and connectivist frameworks that leveraged professional networks and social learning contexts to promote collaborative knowledge construction. E-mentoring initiatives and workplace-focused online training further exemplified tailored solutions for adult learners facing diverse constraints. Practical applications ranged from microcredentialing for workforce reskilling to culturally responsive community partnerships supporting marginalised groups. While these innovations yielded notable gains in flexibility and learner autonomy, persistent challenges—such as digital divide issues, uneven access to professional development for educators and fluctuating learner motivation—underscore the need for continued refinement and equitable policy support.
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Innovative Pedagogies in Adult Education During Pandemic Disruptions publication trend
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Technical terms
Emergency remote teaching: A rapid, temporary transition of face-to-face courses to online formats without full redesign for digital delivery.
Competency-based hybrid learning: A pedagogical model combining online and in-person elements, structured around learners demonstrating predefined skills or knowledge units at their own pace.
Connectivism: A learning theory emphasising knowledge acquisition through networks, where individuals interact with diverse information nodes and peers to build understanding in digital environments.
Microcredentialing: The issuance of short, focused digital certifications recognising mastery in specific skills, often stackable towards larger qualifications.
Digital divide: The gap between individuals or communities in access to, and proficiency with, digital technologies and high-speed internet.
References
- Competency-Based Hybrid Learning: A Modern Approach to Teaching Programming and Digital Technologies Subjects. IEEE Access (2025).
- Work-related online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Zeitschrift für Weiterbildungsforschung (2021).
- Catastrophe or Catalyst? Reflections on COVID’s Impact on Community Colleges. Journal of Postsecondary Student Success (2021).
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