ERIC Number: EJ1161512
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1366-5626
EISSN: N/A
Understanding Adults' Strong Problem-Solving Skills Based on PIAAC
Hämäläinen, Raija; De Wever, Bram; Nissinen, Kari; Cincinnato, Sebastiano
Journal of Workplace Learning, v29 n7-8 p537-553 2017
Purpose: Research has shown that the problem-solving skills of adults with a vocational education and training (VET) background in technology-rich environments (TREs) are often inadequate. However, some adults with a VET background do have sound problem-solving skills. The present study aims to provide insight into the socio-demographic, work-related and everyday life factors that are associated with a strong problem-solving performance. Design/methodology/approach: The study builds on large-scale data of the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) and gives insight into VET adults (N = 12,929) with strong problem-solving skills in 11 European countries. Findings: This study introduces new knowledge with respect to the socio-demographic, work-related and everyday life background factors that contribute to successful VET adults' problem-solving skills. The findings of the authors illustrate that a continuous process of development including non-formal and informal activity, as well as learning taking place at work, is associated with strong performance in problem-solving skills in TRE. Research limitations/implications: An important implication of this study is that this paper introduces novel knowledge for VET adults' competences and can be used to support the development of VET adults' problem-solving skills in TREs. Originality/value: The study was conducted to explore new understanding about good problem-solvers in TREs with a VET background. The originality of the study derives from its focus on good problem-solvers in TREs related to a VET background. The findings can be used to create novel ways to enhance the development of VET adults' problem-solving skills in TREs.
Descriptors: Problem Solving, Adults, Vocational Education, Technology Education, Skill Development, Job Skills, Background, Nonformal Education, Informal Education, Workplace Learning, Foreign Countries, International Assessment, Demography, Social Influences, Cultural Capital, Occupations, Age Differences, Reading Skills, Writing Skills, Regression (Statistics), Gender Differences
Emerald Group Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emeraldinsight.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Europe
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A