A study of women's noninstitutional educational programs in Saskatoon
Date
1981
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
Type
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to gather
descriptive date about women's noninstitutional educational
programs in Saskatoon, Canada. These data were collected
to provide information about the length of time programs
were in operation and who initiated them, problems that
the programs experienced, and characteristics of the
programs' client population or membership, management and
organization, educational components and conceptual framework.
The population for this study was comprised of all
women's noninstitutional educational programs in Saskatoon
that met the devised selection criteria. A personal interview
was conducted with a representative of each program
included in the study. The interview schedule used in
conducting all the interviews has been included in the thesis
as Appendix C.
The data showed there was no typical profile or profiles
of women's noninstitutional educational programs in Saskatoon,
despite many commonalities. There were both gaps and overlaps
in services noted. Co-ordination among programs was
believed necessary to avoid and prevent service overlaps.
Many unmet needs of program participants were identified and
included needs of women for more financial resources, support
services, training-on-the-job opportunities, and affirmative
action programs.
Meetings and small group process and discussion were
the most frequently employed educational methods of programs.
A majority of programs believed a most important purpose of
education programs for women was to enhance their social
functioning. Goals and objectives of the educational
component of programs were many and varied.
A variety of philosophical orientations were held by
programs although a majority were feminist in nature. Many
programs believed women should have autonomy and independence,
and that their lives should be viewed in a social context.
Many programs also advocated the desirability of self-awareness
and consciousness raising for women and believed pressure
for social change to be a desirable outcome of women's
participation in education programs.
This study found that women's noninstitutional educational
programs in Saskatoon were providing many good services to a
variety of women. Funding was the most commonly cited problem
and limitation experienced by programs. A lack of research
in the area of women's noninstitutional educational programs
was identified in the study and a need for more and improved
educational opportunities for women was documented. A
majority of programs believed their effectiveness to be
affected by public attitudes about women and by limited
opportunities for women in the labour market.
Description
Keywords
Citation
Degree
Master of Continuing Education (M.C.Ed.)
Department
Continuing Education
Program
Continuing Education