1. Examining the Learner Perspective in US Immigrant Adults: Socioeconomic Status and the Mission to Successfully Integrate
- Author
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Keisha Casan Danielle Covington
- Abstract
Immigrant perspectives of learning formats are potential causes of slow integration into US society. The purpose is to investigate whether a relationship exists between perspectives of learning and instruction formats, linguistic skills development, self-directed learning and motivation in immigrant integration through the lens of Knowles (1974) theory of Andragogy. This study reviewed and consolidated findings from existing literature on community-based, nonprofit or federally funded non-credit instructional courses for immigrant adults respective of SES, linguistic and occupational skill levels. A quantitative design was applied using four instruments to; (1) assess the relationships between adult learner perspectives of learning formats, self-directed learning, English skills acquisition and integration; (2) perspectives of learning formats; self-directed learning (motivation) that affect linguistics skills acquisition and integration. This study applied a correlational approach and multiple correlational analysis with quantitative sample (n = 107). Results indicated that successful integration is influenced by learning formats. Significant correlations were found to exist between adult immigrants' perspectives of learning formats, self-directed learning and motivation, English skills acquisitioning and integration. Immigrant positive perspectives of the learning formats were found to help discriminate between poor and optimal integration. Study results can be used to help governmental, state, nonprofit and community advocacy programs determine where to change adult immigrant learning delivery to better align goals of instructions with the needs of the immigrant. Findings may also be used to increase immigrant understanding of principles in self-directed learning and successful integration strategies. Recommendations for effectively promoting the integration of adult immigrants through community services, education programs and opportunities, skills development and policy are explored.
- Published
- 2024