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Certificate in Adult Education


Start Date: September


Location: Prince of Wales Campus


Length: 2 Years


Credential: Certificate in Adult Education


Program Availability: Fall 2026 Term

Canadian Applicants: Open

International Applicants with a Valid Holland College Study Permit: N/A

Other International Applicants: N/A



Are you passionate about teaching, training, or designing educational programs for adult learners? The Certificate of Adult Education equips you with the essential skills and strategies to excel in the classroom.

WHO SHOULD ENROLL?

  • Community College and Post-Secondary Instructors
    Enhance your teaching strategies and engage your students more effectively.

  • Aspiring Educators with Vocational, Occupational, or Technological Backgrounds
    Transition smoothly into teaching roles with your practical experience.

  • Human Resource Professionals
    Develop and deliver impactful training programs within business, government, community organizations, or volunteer agencies.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Flexible learning
    Delivered part-time, this blended program consists of seven comprehensive schedules designed to fit your busy schedule.
  • Practical Skills
    Learn the fundamentals of course design, create engaging learning environments, and effectively teach adult learners.
  • Two Year Completion
    Gain your certification in just two years, ready to make a significant impact in adult education.

Program Learning Outcomes


Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  1. Model professional practice within the discipline of instruction and learning. 
  2. Utilize dynamic and inclusive instructional methods to effectively support students from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and with varied learning needs. 
  3. Apply effective curriculum and instructional design and development to support learning.
  4. Implement a variety of teaching and learning strategies and materials to facilitate learning. 
  5. Implement a variety of tools and techniques to effectively assess learning. 
  6. Integrate technology in the facilitation of adult learning. 
  7. Engage in reflective practice to improve teaching effectiveness and responsiveness to adult learners’ needs. 
A combination of five years of related work and education in a specialized vocational, occupational, or technological area.
Please note, you must contact the administrator before applying to this program.

2025/2026 Academic Year

Tuition, fees, and other costs are listed in Canadian dollars. International tuition includes the International Student Fee.

Fees are Program Based

Tuition and fees - $4714.00

Canadian Cost Breakdown

CAE – Total 30 credits  
7 Courses: 26.27 Tuition costs
CAE-300 – 3 credits $ 475.00
CAE-301 – 6 credits $ 938.00
CAE – 311 – 6 credits $ 938.00
CAE-305 – 3 credits $ 475.00
CAE-315 – 3 credits $ 475.00
CAE-320 - 3 credits $ 475.00
CAE-422 – 6 credits $ 938.00
   
  $ 4,714.00 
The program is recognized as a teaching credential for trades instructors at the Public Schools Branch; provides instructor training for those interested in teaching at a post-secondary level or for those involved in teaching/training adults in the workplace.

Course Code

Course Name & Description

Credit Values


Course Code:SAFE-1005

PEI Occupational Health and Safety

An overview of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Prince Edward Island. Students examine the legislation, how PEI employees are protected while on the job and the responsibilities of employees and employers.

Credit Value:0


Course Code:CAE-300

Foundations of Instructional Practice

This course is designed to equip new instructors at Holland College with the essential knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to navigate and excel in their instructional roles. Participants will learn to effectively utilize Holland College resources, tools, and supports to find accurate and timely information for learning, planning, and decision-making. The course will cover key policies and procedures relevant to instructional roles, ensuring that instructors can access, implement, and adhere to college guidelines. Reflective activities will encourage participants to consider their personal knowledge, skills, and values, and how they align with their role and the work of Holland College.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:CAE-301

Practicum

n this course, students gain practical, field-based experience connected to an individualized learning contract and completed through actual teaching/learning settings. Particular attention is paid to the integration of teaching strategies within various learning models.

Credit Value:6


Course Code:CAE-305

Facilitating Adult Learners in Diverse Classrooms

This course provides a hands-on exploration of the fundamental principles of adult learning, focusing on practical applications for diverse adult learners. Students examine key theories of adult education, including andragogy, self-directed learning, and transformational learning, with a strong emphasis on applying these theories to create inclusive learning environments. Through case studies, interactive projects, and practical assignments, students learn to design and implement educational programs that address the needs of diverse adult learners. The course also integrates the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to ensure accessibility and engagement for all learners. By the end of the course, students develop the skills and knowledge to foster inclusive and effective adult learning experiences.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:CAE-311

Instructional Methods and Strategies

This course introduces basic teaching methods and strategies for people involved with instructing or training. Students explore topics such as student diversity, factors that impact learning, and professionalism in the classroom. Also, students will develop lesson plans that incorporate teaching methods and appropriate assessment and evaluation tools based on the theory of Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

Credit Value:6


Course Code:CAE-315

Course Development: Designing Learning Experiences

This course introduces students to the principles and practices of effective course development and design. The course focuses on a systematic approach to course planning and development by implementing an instructional design process. Through hands-on projects, emphasis is placed on aligning outcomes, assessment, and instructional practices for engaging students. Through readings, reflective practice, class discussions, and assignments, students broaden their knowledge of course design and develop skills for course change and renewal.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:CAE-320

Assessment and Evaluation: Principles Practices

This course introduces students to essential assessment and evaluation principles and practices to enhance their teaching effectiveness. Through a hands-on approach, students explore key topics such as formative and summative evaluation, high-yield assessment techniques, effective feedback strategies, and the use of data to inform and improve instructional practices. Students develop practical experience in designing and implementing strategies for identifying learners' needs and assessing learning outcomes that support student learning. By the end of the course, students gain skills that can be used to create meaningful assessments, provide constructive feedback, and use data-driven insights to refine their teaching practices, ultimately fostering a more effective and inclusive learning environment.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:CAE-422

Instructional Technology in Education

This course provides the foundational skills necessary for designing and delivering courses for a blended or distance format. Students explore different online learning platforms, compile content, and develop teaching strategies and authentic assessments appropriate to the learning environment.

Credit Value:6