Impact of Attitudes on Participation in Adult Education and Training

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between attitudes and participation in Adult Education and Training (AET) among a representative sample of adults in the Czech Republic. While previous research has explored sociopsychological factors related to AET participation, the direct impact of attitudes on overall participation remains understudied. Using a representative sample of adults (n = 1,200), this study employs a three-factorial model of attitudes towards AET (AtoALE) to investigate the influence of attitudes on the likelihood of AET participation. Structural equation modeling reveals that adults' attitudes significantly predict participation in AET. Our findings indicate that attitudes towards AET have a substantial impact on participation, and are consistent with earlier studies conducted on smaller non-representative samples. Notably, positive attitudes towards organised learning emerge as a crucial factor for participation. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that attitudes towards AET, as proposed by the three-factorial model, are not equal in significance, with emotional associations connected with AET playing a pivotal role. These findings support the notion that attitudes towards AET are deeply embodied and gradually developed over time. In conclusion, we recommend that future research consider both socioeconomic and sociopsychological factors to enhance our understanding of AET participation, expanding the explanatory power of existing models.