Salleh, Nursakinah Binti Md (2019) Understanding policy and practice in lifelong learning in Malaysia: a case study of rural and urban community colleges. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

This study explores the policy and practice surrounding lifelong learning participation in Malaysia. It is thus the first of its kind in the Malaysian context that combines different perspectives and experiences across the various levels that are involved in lifelong learning participation, namely: adult learners (at the micro level), educational institution (at the meso level) and the government (at the macro level). The theoretical framework that is used in this study draws on: learning career theory; the integrated lifelong learning participation model; and social constructivist learning theory. Using a combination of these theoretical frameworks provides an in-depth understanding of how the three levels interact to influence the personal, structural and societal dimensions of lifelong learning participation.

Data from adult learners were obtained through biographical interviews with sixteen participants who were actively enrolled in lifelong learning programmes at two selected community colleges in an urban and a rural setting. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-eight staff from both colleges and three officers from the central governing body of community colleges. All data were analysed using thematic analysis. Lastly, to understand the dynamics of the government level, eight national policy documents and the broader policy literature relevant to the lifelong learning agenda were examined using documentary analysis, supported by one semi-structured interview with a policymaker.

Findings from the study revealed an interdependent relationship between the three levels. The adult learners demonstrated their agency by enrolling in learning programmes to cope with changes in their work-related identities. They were facilitated by learning opportunities provided by the government through community colleges. In particular, the study reveals that it is the interaction between the three levels that ensures a successful engagement in lifelong learning participation. The study enriches the literature by integrating three theoretical frameworks to explain the Malaysian perspective on lifelong learning participation.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Subjects:	L Education > LC Special aspects of education > LC5201 Education extension. Adult education. Continuing education
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Continuing education -- Malaysia, Community colleges -- Malaysia, Adult education -- Malaysia
Official Date:	March 2019
Dates:	Date Event March 2019 UNSPECIFIED
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Centre for Education Studies
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Merrill, Barbara ; Curtis, Will, Dr.
Sponsors:	Malaysia. Kementerian Pengajian Tinggi
Format of File:	pdf
Extent:	xiii, 306 leaves : illustrations (mostly colour), maps
Language:	eng

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