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Conceptions of learning in adult students embarking on distance education

  • Linda Price
    ,
  • Mpine Makoe
    ,
  • John T.E. Richardson
  • Open University Milton Keynes
Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Abstract

A 60-item questionnaire on conceptions of learning was mailed to students taking preparatory courses by distance learning with The Open University in the United Kingdom. Complete data were provided by 372 respondents. Their scores on six factor-based scales showed satisfactory internal consistency, cluster analysis identified five groups of students with distinct patterns of scores, and discriminant analysis identified the scales that served to distinguish among the clusters. Three groups had conceptions of learning based on critical thinking, personal development, and personal change, but the other groups had conceptions that were defined in largely negative terms. Adult learners embarking on distance education seem to hold distinctive conceptions of learning, which suggests that conceptions of learning are culturally and contextually dependent.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Original language

English

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages 303-320

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

Higher Education (Volume 55, Issue 3)

Publication milestones

  • Published - 18/02/2007

Publication status

Published - 18/02/2007

ISSN

0018-1560

External Publication IDs

  • handle.net: 10547/622600
  • Scopus: 38849196157

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