The evaluation of the effectiveness of the family education courses in the context of adult education

The purpose of this study is to determine the contributions of the courses within the scope of Family Education Programs in improving parenthood behaviors and skills of the participant parents and to evaluate the effectiveness of these courses in terms of adult education. So, in this study, thoughts and opinions of educators and trainee parents have been identified and evaluated and it is aimed to improve the proposals. The study has been carried out with 33 people in Bartin consisting of 8 educators providing Family Education Courses and 25 trainees who have taken part in these courses and successfully completed them. The data required for the research has been collected via interview technique using the semi-structured "Educators Interview Forms" and "Trainee Interview Forms" individually developed for families and educators. The interviews with the participants and educators have been noted down and collected immediately. The resultant data in line with the research objectives and sub-objectives have been interpreted using descriptive and content analysis. While interpreting the data, the direct expressions of educators and trainee parents have been given place. The results obtained from the research findings have been grouped under two headings regarding to educator concerning results and trainee concerning results. While the educators find family education courses necessary, they find the number of participants inadequate. As the most important reason of this situation, it has been seen the inadequate presentation of the courses. The participation of the trainee fathers is insufficient and the absences of trainees are high. While the trainers think that they are using different activities in the educational process, the course participants think that the activities are unsatisfactory. It has been stated that the trainers do not evaluate the status of the trainees at the beginning and end of the courses. Mostly by educators, home visits have not been made. Trainees have found family education courses necessary but insufficient. Courses are believed to be effective in the development of effective communication skills. It has been seen that the trainee parents are good at using technological devices but the devices used during the courses are inadequate. It has been detected that the trainees think that activities used in the teaching-learning process insufficient. It has been thought that parents aim at achievement in their children's academic life. The parents want the courses to be organized again. Consequently, related to the courses, it has been seen that the courses are attached importance by the trainees and they are planned to be disseminated and made compulsory. However, it is considered to be a must to find solutions to the problems regarding a number of issues relating to the participation of the parents. In the researchi the family education courses will be discussed in terms of adult education and it is expected to contribute to the field with this aspect. Keywords: Family, Adult Education, Family Education Program, Lifelong Learning