Expanding the taxonomy of adult learner orientations

The Institutional orientation

Bibliographic Data

ID11424331
AuthorsStephen D Lowe (John Brown University, corresponding author)
Year1991
Volume10
Issue1
Pages1-23
Publication date1991-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Lifelong Education (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0260-1370 • E-ISSN: 1464-519X
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/0260137910100102
OpenAlexW1978851621
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited58

The purpose of this research was to determine whether or not a hypothesized Institutional orientation existed as a a learner orientation distinct from those previously identified by Houle (Goal, Activity, Learning) and Burgess (Religious). And if it exists, to what extent it played a significant role in determining the participatory behaviour of adult learners in three different adult education institutions (local church, community college, Red Cross). The data obtained from the 30‐item composite instrument (Reasons for participation in learning activities) were submitted to a one‐way ANOVA, the Scheffe‘t‐test and chi‐square analysis. The results indicated that the Institutional orientation does exist as a distinct adult learner orientation. Chi‐square analysis of the data indicated that the church‐sponsored group was significantly different from the other two groups in the degree to which the Institutional orientation of the adults affected participation, and in the reported degree of commitment to the sponsoring institution, as well as the reported frequency of attendance at educational activities sponsored by the institution. It was concluded that the Institutional orientation does play a significant role among some adult participants. Further, that sociological aspects of the study of adult participation need to be considered if we are to understand fully all of the dynamics at work that precipitate and sustain participation in voluntary educational activities

Adult education · Attendance · Citizen journalism · Institution · Orientation (vector space · Pedagogy · Political science · Social science · Sociology · Test (biology · Nonprofit Sector and Volunteering · Psychology · Religious Education and Schools · Service-Learning and Community Engagement · Social Psychology

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