Developing adult motivation for continuous training

University “Lucian Blaga” of Sibiu, Department of Teacher Training, Calea Dumbrăvii 34, Sibiu, Romania

^* Corresponding author: lucia.mara@ulbsibiu.ro

Abstract

Traditional education focused primarily on the moment of teaching, on the moment of transmitting information, knowledge, and only then on aspects related to ethical, motivational, moral nature. Contemporary society in a continuous remodeling and change, no longer coincides, no longer accepts such a system. Traditional learning does not keep pace with contemporary society. The aim of this study is to investigate the motivation of learning in adulthood. In the motivational structure of the investigated adults, extrinsic reasons predominated, indirectly related to the learning activity, such as: the need to advance professionally, to keep up with the times, to obtain a social status as high as possible, to meet current requirements, to earn the respect of others, for a diploma, a change of job. Among the intrinsic reasons invoked by the study participants, directly related to the learning activity, we mention: the desire for knowledge and personal development, curiosity, the desire to teach others. In conclusion, we want to offer a better perspective and a well-understanding of motivational factors implicated in adult learning, ensuring the ease of triangulation of sources of information collection, thus improving the credibility of findings.