Assessment of Power and Load Factors in Older Adult Learners’ Margin to Learn in National Open University of Nigeria

John M. Patrick; Angela E. Abaa

Authors

John M. Patrick University of Port Harcourt
Angela E. Abaa

Keywords:

Older Adults, Open and Distance Learning, Power Factor, Load Margin

Abstract

Drawing from the McClusky theory of power load margin, this study examines the margin of learning among older adults in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) system using the National Open University of Nigeria Port Harcourt Study centre. A sample of 69 older adults were administered questionnaire to obtain quantitative data and 21 persons were drawn for focus group discussion to collect qualitative data on the power of learning and the load in learning among older adults in the ODL system. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics. From the formula of margin of learning L/P the study reveals that the margin of older adult learning is -0.23 or 1.08 indicating a deficit power of learning. The study further reveal that the power of learning among older adults are increase financial capacity, prior learning experience, and high mental state to learn; while the load to learning are religious commitment, family pressure, course load and socio- economic demands. These findings can inform tailored intervention on motivating older adults in National Open University of Nigeria. This study provided an insight on the application of the theory of margin by McClusky among older adults in ODL system.

Résumé : S'inspirant de la théorie de McClusky sur la marge de puissance et de charge, cette étude examine la marge d'apprentissage des adultes plus âgés dans le système d'enseignement ouvert et à distance (EOD) en utilisant le centre d'étude de l'Université nationale ouverte du Nigeria à Port Harcourt. Un échantillon de 69 adultes âgés a été soumis à un questionnaire pour obtenir des données quantitatives et 21 personnes ont été sélectionnées pour participer à des discussions de groupe afin de recueillir des données qualitatives sur le pouvoir d'apprentissage et la charge d'apprentissage chez les adultes âgés dans le système d'enseignement ouvert et à distance. Les données recueillies ont été analysées à l'aide de statistiques descriptives. À partir de la formule de la marge d'apprentissage L/P, l'étude révèle que la marge d'apprentissage des adultes plus âgés est de -0,23 ou 1,08, ce qui indique un pouvoir d'apprentissage déficitaire. L'étude révèle en outre que le pouvoir d'apprentissage chez les adultes âgés réside dans l'augmentation de la capacité financière, l'expérience d'apprentissage antérieure et l'état d'esprit élevé pour apprendre, tandis que la charge d'apprentissage est l'engagement religieux, la pression familiale, la charge de cours et les exigences socio-économiques. Ces résultats peuvent servir de base à une intervention sur mesure visant à motiver les adultes plus âgés au sein de l'Université nationale ouverte du Nigeria. Cette étude a donné un aperçu de l'application de la théorie de la marge de McClusky chez les adultes plus âgés dans le système de l’ODL.

Mots-clés : Adultes âgés, formation ouverte et à distance, facteur de puissance, marge de charge

Author Biography

John M. Patrick, University of Port Harcourt

Department of Adult and Non-Formal Education
University of Port Harcourt

orcid.org/0000-0003-4430-6303

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