Testing Andragogical Assumptions Across Countries: A Multilevel Analysis of the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies Motivation-to-Learn and Elaboration Scales

• In Event: 64.058 - Teaching and Learning in Adult Literacy and ESL Education

Abstract

We investigated whether andragogical assumptions are reflected in PIAAC data as measured by motivation-to-learn (MtL) and elaboration preference in all 36 OECD participating country codes. Using hierarchical linear modeling, we sought to determine whether these learning strategy preferences varied across countries, and whether they varied as a function of age, gender, education level, and occupation type. Exploratory investigations of country-level predictors were conducted. Preferences varied across countries, decreased with age, and increased with educational level and occupational skill. Men had higher MtL and elaboration than women. No variables were found to account for variation across countries. Andragogical assumptions seem to reflect preferences more aligned with particular cultures, as well as with males, higher levels of education, and skilled occupations.

Authors

• Kevin M Roessger, University of Arkansas

• Elizabeth A Roumell, Texas A&M University - College Station

• James Weese, University of Arkansas at Fayetteville