The Factors Affecting Performance of Adult Learners in YMCA Comprehensive Institute, Uganda

Abstract

This study examined the effect of selected factors on performance of adult learners of Young Men Christian Association (YMCA) Uganda. The study objectives were examining the effect of demographic factors on performance of adult learners, investigating how the learning environment affects the performance of adult learners and the effect of personal characteristics on the performance of adult learners. The study employed qualitative and qualitative approaches. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires, interviews and focused group discussions. Data was analyzed using percentages, mean and Std. deviation and focus group discussions were held with teaching staff. Results showed that learning environment such as teaching methods, emotional conditions among significantly (<0.0001) influence the performance of adult learners in YMCA Comprehensive Institute. Results further revealed that that the performance of adult learners of YMCA Comprehensive Institute is significantly (0.0007) influenced by personal characteristics of students such as attitude, ability effort among others. The study also found out that Demographic factors have a significant effect (<0.0001) on the performance of adult learners in YMCA comprehensive institute. The researcher concluded that that all the three variables (demographic factors, personal characteristic and learning environment) affect the academic performance of adult learning students. Institute and provides adult students with life skills. Life skills includes disciplined work habits, caring attitudes, and the ability to cope as well as to create one’s own opportunities and all these factors are essential for adult success. The institute should invest heavily on remedial classes in order to assist the weaker students. Students are supposed to be guided by the teachers especially by mentors on life issues.