Abstract

This research explores who participates in higher education (HE) in general and in the College of Basic Education (CBE) in particular from adult female learners’ groups. This entails identifying the specific characteristics of these groups and understanding their learning experiences and obstacles they need to overcome. The study begins with an overview of the changing HE system in Kuwait followed by a review of relevant literature. This involves constructing a theoretical framework based upon attributes of adult education and setting out the critical feminist perspective at the heart of this study. The research follows both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Research data was collected from female adult learners at CBE by using questionnaire and focus groups to elicit rich qualitative data as well as quantitative representative data. The study concludes with a discussion of policy and practice implications and areas for future research on adult learning and HE reforms in general. Outcomes of this research provide valuable lessons for policymakers as well as recommendations which seek to nourish an environment based on genuine equality of opportunity for all and inspiration for future generations of Kuwaiti women.

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