Women participate in adult education more than men, according to research released today by AONTAS, the National Adult Education Association.
AONTAS says there is need for urgent change in adult education services and it specifically addresses the problem of low levels of male participation in adult education.
The research, carried out by the Shannon Curriculum Development Centre, focused on men and women involved in learning programmes who had less than an upper second-level education. The study identified negative early school experiences as barriers to men's participation in further education.
It found that of 145,263 people in adult-education courses in community, vocational and comprehensive schools in 2000-2001, 106,364 participants were female.
The study also examined the first-day experiences of men in adult education courses. These resulted in high levels of "frustration and impatience", the research said. These occur in men when "specific outcomes [of education] are not immediately evident" - making them less likely than women to continue participation.
According to AONTAS Director Ms Bernie Brady, "fear, anxiety and embarrassment" are reasons for low levels of male participation. She said men are "less comfortable…to engage in questioning…for fear of ridicule.
"The requirements of rural learners also need special attention," she added.