Predicting Intention to Complete and Learning Outcomes in a Sample of Adult Learners

Abstract

Aims: This research investigates the relationship between Self-Esteem and completion/non-completion of tertiary qualifications for a sample of New Zealand adults, and explores the factors that may predict intent and learner outcome for these students. Study Design: A descriptive and correlational research design. Place and Duration of Study: Corporate Academy Group, a Private Training Establishment located in a low socio-economic area, Manukau City, New Zealand, between August 2009 and April 2010. Methodology: The Theory of Planned Behavior was used to assess intent to achieve, and was extended to include the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale as a measure of Self-Esteem. Adult students ( n = 211), 115 females and 96 males aged between 15 and 65, were assessed for intent to achieve and actual outcome (completers vs. non-completers). Results and Discussion: Participant’s reports of attitude, perceived behavioral control and subjective norm, within the Theory of Planned Behavior, sufficiently predicted their intention