K
2
17 -
sufficiently alive to the world of work which their pupils will enter?
In this connection should teachers be drawn from a wider net, with
credit given for experience outside education?
Language in education
8.27
Problems associated with language in education are discussed
in chapters 2 and 7. The basic question which needs to be considered
is whether the measures now being implemented are sufficient by themselves
to bring about a rational language situation in school education and
whether they represent a reasonable balance, given the conflicting
interests and demands which at present influence schools in the choice
of language as the medium of instruction.
Adult and continuing education
8.28
Current policy on adult education is outlined in paragraphs
7.1 7.5 of the 1978 White Paper and aspects of this policy are touched
upon in chapter 2 of this report. The question which now arises is
whether the policy goes far enough, given that universal basic education
has only recently been achieved and that many adults have therefore not
had the opportunity of a full basic education. Set against this fact
are the practical constraints on proceeding rapidly on all fronts
simultaneously and the consequent need to decide priorities in educational
development.
8.29
In considering priorities in this area it is perhaps expedient
to separate adult education for retrieval, social and recreational purposes
from more advanced forms of general education which can be tailored either
directly or indirectly to suit the convenience of adults: part-time
degree courses would be an obvious example. Is there sufficient
opportunity for adults who have completed secondary education to proceed
further on a part-time basis, and to what extent should such opportunities
be seen as a way of meeting social demand among school leavers who for
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