Relationship between lifelong learning characteristic and lifelong learning tendency among adult learners in Malaysia

Abstract

Adult learners, in particular, must possess lifelong learning (LLL) skills to prepare for their future endeavours. Knowing their strengths in LLL characteristics is crucial for them as it allows better understanding of their learning strengths. There are studies that suggest adult learners do not engage enough in LLL as their learning style. This may conflict with their characteristic of being independent learners, which involves a continual process of learning in order to be able to maintain themselves. It is therefore the purpose of this study to investigate the relationship between LLL characteristics and LLL tendency among adult learners in higher education institutions in Malaysia. It also aims to investigate any moderating effect from demographic data, gender and academic background. The data were collected through an online survey and analysed using SPSS with a 95% response rate. The statistical analysis used for the analysis includes descriptive and inferential analysis of multiple linear regression analysis and moderating analysis. The result indicates that there is a medium positive relationship between LLL characteristics and LLL tendency. In terms of the moderator, gender and academic background do not affect the relationship in any way. This study may benefit stakeholders, especially management, in ensuring that adult learners can maximize their potential to adopt continuous learning practices.