Learning Techniques among Adult Students in Higher Learning Institutions, Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia

Abstract

A suitable learning technique among adult students especially in the early adult age.

could create an active and conducive learning environment. The objective of this study is to investigate the problems faced by students during learning process. The study also will identify the dominant learning technique being practiced by most of the students. In addition, the study will also point out the most suitable learning technique for the present time adult students. Apart from that, the study will also identify if there is a relationship between students’ learning technique with their demographical aspects. This study focused on students in the early adult age that is students who are undergo the course of Bachelor of Education (Technique and Vocational) at UTHM. They are in the age of 21 years old and above. Sample of the research involved 108 students. The research is carried out qualitatively through the instruments of survey forms and supporting interviews. All data obtained are analyzed by using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software version 12.0 in order to find the min score, percentage and standard deviation. Spearman’s Rho correlation is used to attain the relationship between student’s learning technique with their demographical aspects namely, their gender, race, age and academic achievement. The findings of the research show that the common problem usually faced by students is being too worried about the academic achievement. Where as, the dominant learning technique used by adult students are discussion and memorizing techniques. Furthermore, there is a slight relationship between students’ learning technique with their age. Consequently, it is highly hoped that this research could benefit all the entities involved. There are also some suggestions stated in this research for the purpose of improving the learning techniques of students.