Literacy and Education as the Predictors of Motivation to Learn Among the U.S. Workforce

• In Event: Workplace Learning: Paper Session 2

Abstract

Motivation to learn plays an important role to encourage the U.S. workforce to be engaged in continuous education and training. However, besides formal educational attainment, little is known about the predictors of motivation to learn in this specific sub-population. Using representative data of U.S. workers aged 25 to 65 (n = 3,834) from the 2012/2014 Program for International Assessment of Adult Competencies, this study constructed structural equation models to identify the predictors of motivation to learn. Results showed that literacy is a significant predictor of motivation to learn. Literacy may represent the readiness to be engaged in learning. U.S. workers with low literacy skills may benefit from literacy training to improve their motivation to learn.

Authors

• Takashi Yamashita, University of Maryland - Baltimore County

• Phyllis A. Cummins, Miami University

• Robert J Millar, University of Maryland - Baltimore County

• Shalini Sahoo, University of Maryland - Baltimore County

• Thomas J. Smith, Northern Illinois University