Readiness to Learn as a Predictor of Participation in Adult Education and Training Activities

• In Event: 52.055 - New Concepts in Adult Learning: Readiness to Learn, Parental Learning, and Digital Learning

Abstract

The study analyzed data from the Background Questionnaire of the Survey of Adult Skills, administered by the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC; OECD, 2013), to assess how adults’ “readiness to learn” predicts their participation in adult education or training activities. The Survey of Adults Skills was administered to adults, ages 16-65 years, in 33 countries as a component of the PIAAC. Our study focuses only on US adults. A series of logistic regression analyses was conducted using appropriate sampling weights. Readiness to learn was a statistically significant positive predictor of each of the participation outcomes -- except for participation in formal AET for non job-related reasons. Additional results and implications are described.

Authors

• M Cecil Smith, West Virginia University

• Thomas J. Smith, Northern Illinois University

• Amy D. Rose, Northern Illinois University

• Jovita M. Ross-Gordon, Texas State University - San Marcos