Pub Date : 2023-01-13DOI: 10.1177/14779714231151836
David Strukel, Linda White, Saleem Alhabash
Nontraditional students pursuing an advanced degree face unique challenges as compared to full-time traditional students. Current and former masters and PhD students ( N = 266) were surveyed to examine differences in their educational experiences and emotional outcomes, and determinants of their positive and negative graduate education experiences. Traditional and nontraditional students differed significantly on most of the variables. Compared to traditional students, nontraditional students reported higher positive emotional experiences. Simple linear ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models were used to examine the determinants of positive and negative experiences during graduate education. Self-fulfillment motives were the strongest predictors of positive emotional experiences, while stress and anxiety uniformly predicted negative experiences; with variability in determinants of emotional experiences between traditional and nontraditional students.
{"title":"The good, the bad, the ugly: Predictors of positive and negative experiences of traditional and nontraditional graduate students","authors":"David Strukel, Linda White, Saleem Alhabash","doi":"10.1177/14779714231151836","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/14779714231151836","url":null,"abstract":"Nontraditional students pursuing an advanced degree face unique challenges as compared to full-time traditional students. Current and former masters and PhD students ( N = 266) were surveyed to examine differences in their educational experiences and emotional outcomes, and determinants of their positive and negative graduate education experiences. Traditional and nontraditional students differed significantly on most of the variables. Compared to traditional students, nontraditional students reported higher positive emotional experiences. Simple linear ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models were used to examine the determinants of positive and negative experiences during graduate education. Self-fulfillment motives were the strongest predictors of positive emotional experiences, while stress and anxiety uniformly predicted negative experiences; with variability in determinants of emotional experiences between traditional and nontraditional students.","PeriodicalId":53962,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Adult and Continuing Education","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2023-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43091709","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-01-06DOI: 10.1177/14779714221149601
Daniel Woldeab, Gemma Puntí, Richard W. Bohannon
This study explores the lived experiences of individualized and interdisciplinary students enrolled in a 4-year public university in the Upper Midwest region of the United States. Those enrolled in this individualized degree program are working adults with significant family, work, and life obligations. As Brookfield (2006) , Knowles (1980) , and Dewey (1903) indicated, adult learners want to be in charge of their education and find meaning in coursework that relates to their professional or out of school experiences. While this seems to be a common discourse for most of our learners, some also struggle with the complexity and uncertainty of directing one’s own degree. This study, based on focus groups conducted as part of classroom activities, reveal how working adults find their individualized degrees to be student-centered yet constrained by university policies, experience the process as liberating and empowering while also anxiety provoking, and worry about the perception of an “easy” degree while striving for a rigorous and passion-driven one.
{"title":"The lived experiences of adult learners in an individualized program: Empowerment, responsibility, tensions, and anxiety","authors":"Daniel Woldeab, Gemma Puntí, Richard W. Bohannon","doi":"10.1177/14779714221149601","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/14779714221149601","url":null,"abstract":"This study explores the lived experiences of individualized and interdisciplinary students enrolled in a 4-year public university in the Upper Midwest region of the United States. Those enrolled in this individualized degree program are working adults with significant family, work, and life obligations. As Brookfield (2006) , Knowles (1980) , and Dewey (1903) indicated, adult learners want to be in charge of their education and find meaning in coursework that relates to their professional or out of school experiences. While this seems to be a common discourse for most of our learners, some also struggle with the complexity and uncertainty of directing one’s own degree. This study, based on focus groups conducted as part of classroom activities, reveal how working adults find their individualized degrees to be student-centered yet constrained by university policies, experience the process as liberating and empowering while also anxiety provoking, and worry about the perception of an “easy” degree while striving for a rigorous and passion-driven one.","PeriodicalId":53962,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Adult and Continuing Education","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2023-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46090722","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-12-27DOI: 10.1177/14779714221145863
John M Muchira, Francis Kiroro, M. Mutisya, V. Ochieng, M. Ngware
Africa could benefit from the demographic dividend by identifying strategies for investing in the massive youthful workforce. The current study employs the social cognitive career theory perspective to assess Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions’ curriculum coverage of various skills in Kenya. We further examine the relevance of the curricula to the labour market and barriers affecting institutions' capacity to implement practical-oriented and demand-driven curricula. A cross-sectional research design was adopted using a mixed-method approach to gather and analyse data. Findings revealed different levels of coverage of soft and technical skills in the curriculum. Inadequate resources, lack of modern equipment and technology, and minimal adoption of practical components in the curriculum were identified as barriers to acquiring skills, consequently affecting TVET students' capacity to secure employment. To promote requisite skills acquisition and accelerate youth employability, we recommend a partnership between TVET institutions and the industry. Assessing how the competencies acquired align with labour market demands is also critical. Evidence gathered from this assessment will inform the improvement of existing on-the-job training, enable institutions to scale-up successful models and foster the development of human capital that is more adaptable to the dynamic world of work.
{"title":"Assessing technical vocational education and training institutions’ curriculum in Kenya: What strategies can position the youth for employment?","authors":"John M Muchira, Francis Kiroro, M. Mutisya, V. Ochieng, M. Ngware","doi":"10.1177/14779714221145863","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/14779714221145863","url":null,"abstract":"Africa could benefit from the demographic dividend by identifying strategies for investing in the massive youthful workforce. The current study employs the social cognitive career theory perspective to assess Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions’ curriculum coverage of various skills in Kenya. We further examine the relevance of the curricula to the labour market and barriers affecting institutions' capacity to implement practical-oriented and demand-driven curricula. A cross-sectional research design was adopted using a mixed-method approach to gather and analyse data. Findings revealed different levels of coverage of soft and technical skills in the curriculum. Inadequate resources, lack of modern equipment and technology, and minimal adoption of practical components in the curriculum were identified as barriers to acquiring skills, consequently affecting TVET students' capacity to secure employment. To promote requisite skills acquisition and accelerate youth employability, we recommend a partnership between TVET institutions and the industry. Assessing how the competencies acquired align with labour market demands is also critical. Evidence gathered from this assessment will inform the improvement of existing on-the-job training, enable institutions to scale-up successful models and foster the development of human capital that is more adaptable to the dynamic world of work.","PeriodicalId":53962,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Adult and Continuing Education","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2022-12-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46527046","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-12-21DOI: 10.1177/14779714221147297
Rodney H. Magwenya, A. Ross, L. S. Ngatiane
Background: Continuing professional development (CPD) provides support to healthcare workers to keep up to date with best practices and addresses deficits in their knowledge and practice. Aim: The purpose of this scoping review is to summarise data from the past decade on CPD models. Method: For this scoping review, we searched PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases and conducted a grey literature search for studies/documents describing models of CPD. We limited our search to those written in English and published since 2010. Results: 74 references were included. These were grouped under two main questions: (1) What CPD models are available in various settings globally? (2) What are the perceptions and views of medical practitioners towards these? Under the first question, they were grouped into six categories: (a) Legislation, theoretical framework/learning theories, (b) CME credit systems, revalidation/recertification and maintenance of certification, (c) content delivery (choice of format), (d) quality standards, monitoring and evaluation, (e) funding and (f) country/region CPD models. Conclusions: CPD should be supported by appropriate legislation and policy, be directed at the needs of practitioners, and based on adult learning theory, have a mechanism in place for evaluation and improvement and have sustainable funding.
背景:持续专业发展(CPD)为医护人员提供支持,以跟上最佳实践的步伐,并解决他们在知识和实践方面的不足。目的:本范围界定审查的目的是总结过去十年CPD模型的数据。方法:在这篇范围界定综述中,我们搜索了PubMed、Web of Science和Scopus数据库,并对描述CPD模型的研究/文件进行了灰色文献搜索。我们将搜索范围限制在自2010年以来用英语撰写并发表的文章。结果:纳入参考文献74篇。这些问题分为两个主要问题:(1)在全球各种环境中有哪些CPD模型?(2) 医生对这些有何看法和看法?在第一个问题下,他们被分为六类:(a)立法、理论框架/学习理论,(b)继续医学教育信贷系统、重新验证/重新认证和认证维护,(c)内容交付(格式选择),(d)质量标准、监测和评估,(e)资金和(f)国家/地区持续专业发展模式。结论:CPD应得到适当的立法和政策的支持,针对从业者的需求,以成人学习理论为基础,建立评估和改进机制,并拥有可持续的资金。
{"title":"Continuing professional development in the last decade – A scoping review","authors":"Rodney H. Magwenya, A. Ross, L. S. Ngatiane","doi":"10.1177/14779714221147297","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/14779714221147297","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Continuing professional development (CPD) provides support to healthcare workers to keep up to date with best practices and addresses deficits in their knowledge and practice. Aim: The purpose of this scoping review is to summarise data from the past decade on CPD models. Method: For this scoping review, we searched PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases and conducted a grey literature search for studies/documents describing models of CPD. We limited our search to those written in English and published since 2010. Results: 74 references were included. These were grouped under two main questions: (1) What CPD models are available in various settings globally? (2) What are the perceptions and views of medical practitioners towards these? Under the first question, they were grouped into six categories: (a) Legislation, theoretical framework/learning theories, (b) CME credit systems, revalidation/recertification and maintenance of certification, (c) content delivery (choice of format), (d) quality standards, monitoring and evaluation, (e) funding and (f) country/region CPD models. Conclusions: CPD should be supported by appropriate legislation and policy, be directed at the needs of practitioners, and based on adult learning theory, have a mechanism in place for evaluation and improvement and have sustainable funding.","PeriodicalId":53962,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Adult and Continuing Education","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2022-12-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48287884","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-12-09DOI: 10.1177/14779714221145861
D. Toimbek
Recent economic diversifications of Kazakhstan from over-reliance on the extraction of natural resources are mainly based on increasing the quality of human capital by building a knowledge-based economy as an instrument for long-term sustainable development. In this regard, the paper explores the level of cognitive skills of the adult population in Kazakhstan and their associations with important life outcomes. Research is based on one of the prominent studies in adult literacy — The Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), and revealed that the performance of Kazakhstanis in information-processing skills is below the average; smaller differences in competencies between the top and bottom performers, which indicates small inequalities in skills acquisition; and a low level of variance between adults with tertiary and secondary education, demonstrating the low education quality. Multiple linear regression of the research indicates that the educational attainment of the population has the highest association with all three information-processing skills, while labor force participation negatively affects the growth of literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving in technology-rich environment (PS-TRE) skills. The main recommendations of the paper are to profoundly transform social institutions, enhance national educational quality, and exercise continuous learning in the country.
{"title":"Building the human capital in Kazakhstan: Information-processing skills and socio-economic outcomes of the population","authors":"D. Toimbek","doi":"10.1177/14779714221145861","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/14779714221145861","url":null,"abstract":"Recent economic diversifications of Kazakhstan from over-reliance on the extraction of natural resources are mainly based on increasing the quality of human capital by building a knowledge-based economy as an instrument for long-term sustainable development. In this regard, the paper explores the level of cognitive skills of the adult population in Kazakhstan and their associations with important life outcomes. Research is based on one of the prominent studies in adult literacy — The Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), and revealed that the performance of Kazakhstanis in information-processing skills is below the average; smaller differences in competencies between the top and bottom performers, which indicates small inequalities in skills acquisition; and a low level of variance between adults with tertiary and secondary education, demonstrating the low education quality. Multiple linear regression of the research indicates that the educational attainment of the population has the highest association with all three information-processing skills, while labor force participation negatively affects the growth of literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving in technology-rich environment (PS-TRE) skills. The main recommendations of the paper are to profoundly transform social institutions, enhance national educational quality, and exercise continuous learning in the country.","PeriodicalId":53962,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Adult and Continuing Education","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2022-12-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43770028","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-11-30DOI: 10.1177/14779714221142908
Jacqueline S. Stephen
Since the mid-1970s, researchers have provided theoretical frameworks that continue to be used today to explain persistence and attrition of nontraditional undergraduate students in higher education. Previous frameworks emphasized specific skills nontraditional undergraduate students need upon admission into an online program to support their persistence. Recent research has confirmed the importance of these skills to student persistence in an online program. While these frameworks remain relevant, none reflect advancements and developments that have shaped today’s online learning environment. The characteristics of nontraditional undergraduate online students and programs have evolved over the years. Hence, this article introduces a modified Contemporary Persistence Model, predicated on existing frameworks, and informed by the results of recent research into nontraditional undergraduate online students. The projected growth in online learning, coupled with the increased interest among nontraditional undergraduate students to enroll in online programs, necessitates a persistence model that is aligned with the contemporary needs of students.
{"title":"Persistence of Nontraditional Undergraduate Online Students: Towards a Contemporary Conceptual Framework","authors":"Jacqueline S. Stephen","doi":"10.1177/14779714221142908","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/14779714221142908","url":null,"abstract":"Since the mid-1970s, researchers have provided theoretical frameworks that continue to be used today to explain persistence and attrition of nontraditional undergraduate students in higher education. Previous frameworks emphasized specific skills nontraditional undergraduate students need upon admission into an online program to support their persistence. Recent research has confirmed the importance of these skills to student persistence in an online program. While these frameworks remain relevant, none reflect advancements and developments that have shaped today’s online learning environment. The characteristics of nontraditional undergraduate online students and programs have evolved over the years. Hence, this article introduces a modified Contemporary Persistence Model, predicated on existing frameworks, and informed by the results of recent research into nontraditional undergraduate online students. The projected growth in online learning, coupled with the increased interest among nontraditional undergraduate students to enroll in online programs, necessitates a persistence model that is aligned with the contemporary needs of students.","PeriodicalId":53962,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Adult and Continuing Education","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2022-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47462427","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-11-23DOI: 10.1177/14779714221140925
Driss Ait Ali, Mohamed Fazaz, Brahim Ounaceur, Brahim El Houate, Mohamed El Koutbi, Abdelaati El Khiat, Fatima‐Zahra Senhaji
In order to stay up-to-date in the nursing field, nurses must pursue continuous education. This study examined nurses’ motivations to take part in continuing education activities by conducting a survey amongst a sample of nurses employed in two hospitals in south-east Morocco. The survey was carried out using a two-part self-administered questionnaire. Out of 144 nurses who received the questionnaire, 118 (84%) replied. The results showed that the majority of nurses have never participated in a continuing education session in the last 3 years. Respondents’ motivation for continuing education was mainly intrinsic, with the emphasis on factors related to professional competence and knowledge seeking. The use of such results can therefore be of great use to both managers and practitioners in planning continuing education programmes. However, it is desirable that more studies take place to investigate further the issue of continuing education with the aim of promoting and developing professional nursing skills.
{"title":"Motivational factors influencing nurses’ participation in continuing education sessions: A hospital-based study","authors":"Driss Ait Ali, Mohamed Fazaz, Brahim Ounaceur, Brahim El Houate, Mohamed El Koutbi, Abdelaati El Khiat, Fatima‐Zahra Senhaji","doi":"10.1177/14779714221140925","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/14779714221140925","url":null,"abstract":"In order to stay up-to-date in the nursing field, nurses must pursue continuous education. This study examined nurses’ motivations to take part in continuing education activities by conducting a survey amongst a sample of nurses employed in two hospitals in south-east Morocco. The survey was carried out using a two-part self-administered questionnaire. Out of 144 nurses who received the questionnaire, 118 (84%) replied. The results showed that the majority of nurses have never participated in a continuing education session in the last 3 years. Respondents’ motivation for continuing education was mainly intrinsic, with the emphasis on factors related to professional competence and knowledge seeking. The use of such results can therefore be of great use to both managers and practitioners in planning continuing education programmes. However, it is desirable that more studies take place to investigate further the issue of continuing education with the aim of promoting and developing professional nursing skills.","PeriodicalId":53962,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Adult and Continuing Education","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2022-11-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41933953","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-11-01DOI: 10.1177/14779714221096175
Damien Homer
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on university students across the world. In a short period of time from 2020 to 2022, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) had to pivot their modes of delivery to ensure they could meet the needs of their students. The move to digital platforms has been challenging for students from all ages, but particularly mature students. This study sought to explore mature students’ experiences of university during the COVID-19 pandemic through the lens of the Community of Inquiry (CoI) model. Utilising a qualitative approach, twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted with students from across the University of Warwick. The interviews were conducted by a staff member and a mature student during the pandemic and four themes were identified: Adapting to online learning, relationships, external factors and response of the university. This research study has identified that some participants responded well to the emergency situation, others had caring responsibilities which impacted on their studies but that peer relationships and collaborative learning is key to their success.
{"title":"Mature Students’ Experience: A Community of Inquiry Study during a COVID-19 Pandemic","authors":"Damien Homer","doi":"10.1177/14779714221096175","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/14779714221096175","url":null,"abstract":"The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on university students across the world. In a short period of time from 2020 to 2022, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) had to pivot their modes of delivery to ensure they could meet the needs of their students. The move to digital platforms has been challenging for students from all ages, but particularly mature students. This study sought to explore mature students’ experiences of university during the COVID-19 pandemic through the lens of the Community of Inquiry (CoI) model. Utilising a qualitative approach, twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted with students from across the University of Warwick. The interviews were conducted by a staff member and a mature student during the pandemic and four themes were identified: Adapting to online learning, relationships, external factors and response of the university. This research study has identified that some participants responded well to the emergency situation, others had caring responsibilities which impacted on their studies but that peer relationships and collaborative learning is key to their success.","PeriodicalId":53962,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Adult and Continuing Education","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2022-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49204883","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-11-01DOI: 10.1177/14779714211070307
Morakinyo Akintolu, Chinaza Uleanya, M. Letseka
Education is a major tool for development and equalizer. This somewhat accounts for the quest for education, at various levels, including adults who were unable to attain an education degree earlier in life. Thus, Adult Education and Training (AET) programmes are established in different community centres to promote adult literacy in different parts of the world inclusive of South Africa. However, many AET community centres tend not to be achieving the aim for their establishment due to various challenges. Hence, this study examined the challenges that are facing adult community learning centres using KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa following that it has one of the highest rates of illiteracy that causes unemployment and poverty. Social Cognitive Theory was employed for theoretical framework. Qualitative method was adopted for the study; hence, face-to-face interviews were conducted for nine purposively selected centre managers from both rural and urban KwaZulu-Natal. The collected data was coded and thematically analysed. The findings show that adult learners, facilitators and government factors inhibit the community learning centres progress. Meanwhile, centre managers strive to support adult community learning by involving different stakeholders in adult education and prioritize same. The study recommends amongst others the adoption of systemic approach where visions of AET are clearly stated to all stakeholders such as learners, facilitators, and the government.
{"title":"Examining key challenges in the programmes of adult community learning centres in KwaZulu-Natal","authors":"Morakinyo Akintolu, Chinaza Uleanya, M. Letseka","doi":"10.1177/14779714211070307","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/14779714211070307","url":null,"abstract":"Education is a major tool for development and equalizer. This somewhat accounts for the quest for education, at various levels, including adults who were unable to attain an education degree earlier in life. Thus, Adult Education and Training (AET) programmes are established in different community centres to promote adult literacy in different parts of the world inclusive of South Africa. However, many AET community centres tend not to be achieving the aim for their establishment due to various challenges. Hence, this study examined the challenges that are facing adult community learning centres using KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa following that it has one of the highest rates of illiteracy that causes unemployment and poverty. Social Cognitive Theory was employed for theoretical framework. Qualitative method was adopted for the study; hence, face-to-face interviews were conducted for nine purposively selected centre managers from both rural and urban KwaZulu-Natal. The collected data was coded and thematically analysed. The findings show that adult learners, facilitators and government factors inhibit the community learning centres progress. Meanwhile, centre managers strive to support adult community learning by involving different stakeholders in adult education and prioritize same. The study recommends amongst others the adoption of systemic approach where visions of AET are clearly stated to all stakeholders such as learners, facilitators, and the government.","PeriodicalId":53962,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Adult and Continuing Education","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2022-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"66020524","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-10-20DOI: 10.1177/14779714221135655
S. Itasanmi
This study investigated determinants of the behavioural intention of Open Distance Learning (ODL) students to use digital tools and resources for learning in Nigeria. The study utilized an online questionnaire to gather data from 522 ODL students from an ODL institution in Nigeria. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) was the main framework used for the analysis in which attitude was included as an additional variable to seek out a much better model capable of improving the understanding of ODL students’ behavioural intention to use digital tools and resources for learning. Thus, an extended UTAUT model was developed and tested in this study. The model consisted of six constructs: performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, attitude and behavioural intention. A Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was used for data analysis. Results revealed that the proposed model successfully explained critical factors that determine ODL students’ behavioural intention to use digital tools and resources for learning. The study suggested that attitude, performance expectancy and facilitating conditions are the major determinants of behavioural intention to use digital tools and resources but attitude is the most prominent factor. Thus, implications and suggestions for further studies were highlighted.
{"title":"Determinants of the Behavioural Intention of Open Distance Learning Students to Use Digital Tools and Resources for Learning in Nigeria","authors":"S. Itasanmi","doi":"10.1177/14779714221135655","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/14779714221135655","url":null,"abstract":"This study investigated determinants of the behavioural intention of Open Distance Learning (ODL) students to use digital tools and resources for learning in Nigeria. The study utilized an online questionnaire to gather data from 522 ODL students from an ODL institution in Nigeria. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) was the main framework used for the analysis in which attitude was included as an additional variable to seek out a much better model capable of improving the understanding of ODL students’ behavioural intention to use digital tools and resources for learning. Thus, an extended UTAUT model was developed and tested in this study. The model consisted of six constructs: performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, attitude and behavioural intention. A Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was used for data analysis. Results revealed that the proposed model successfully explained critical factors that determine ODL students’ behavioural intention to use digital tools and resources for learning. The study suggested that attitude, performance expectancy and facilitating conditions are the major determinants of behavioural intention to use digital tools and resources but attitude is the most prominent factor. Thus, implications and suggestions for further studies were highlighted.","PeriodicalId":53962,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Adult and Continuing Education","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2022-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48937126","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}