Adults and Learning: How do They Perceive their Learning Capabilities?

Training is one of the essential needs to improve employee performance. In Malaysia, the Public Service Department (PSD), better known as Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam (JPA), is responsible for crafting policies or circulars regarding the need for civil servants to be trained. Currently, training for civil servants is still based on Pekeliling Perkhidmatan Bilangan 6 Tahun 2005 – Dasar Latihan Sumber Manusia Sektor Awam. Nonetheless, the circular is considered old and needs revisions to ensure the training continuity follows the current demands in civil services. This paper presents an analysis of the learning approach adopted by Public Administrative and Diplomatic officers in Malaysia. The research has three (3) objectives: (i) How do learners view formal learning? (ii) How do learners view non-formal learning? and (iii) How do learners view informal learning? This study uses a quantitative approach, collecting data via a quantitative survey. This research involved 412 respondents who are Public Administrative and Diplomatic officers in Malaysia. Data were analysed using SPSS, proving that all learning approach components have high mean values. The result shows that the respondents agreed collectively that all the components are essential and valuable for them in the learning process. The findings of the study are aimed at improving the learning approaches towards adult learners, especially in the civil service in Malaysia.