APPLICATION OF ADULT LEARNING PRINCIPLES BY DISTRICT ELECTION TRAINERS IN SELECTED CONSTITUENCIES OF LUSAKA DISTRICT

The purpose of this study was to explore the application of adult learning principles by District Election Trainers in Selected constituencies of Lusaka District. The studys’ objective was to describe how District Election Trainers apply adult learning principles when training poll staff for elections. A case study design was employed with a qualitative approach. The population comprised of all District Election Trainers who participated in the 2016 general election training in Lusaka District whose number was 180. Purposive sampling was used to select 45 District Election Trainers from the four selected constituencies of Lusaka District. A semi-structured interview guide and an exploratory questionnaire were used to collect data. Findings showed that District Election Trainers applied adult learning principles ; by allowing poll staff to talk about their experiences with elections, by using proper language when addressing poll staff, by making poll staff participate in the training. The findings further showed how role plays were utilised in the training to depict real life situations. However, the findings revealed that most District Election Trainers were not able to recognise the adult learning principles that they applied, and for those who applied the principles they did it sparingly and sometimes unknowingly. Therefore, the study recommended that there was need for the Electoral Commission of Zambia to introduce workshops or seminars where District Election Trainers could be taught on adult learning principles comprehensively so that they can train poll staff effectively.