Learner profiling: a study on Big Five Personality Traits and Lifelong Learning skills

Abstract

There are many interventions introduced by Open University Malaysia in supporting its learners to successfully complete the programme that they have enrolled in. An example is the use of personality traits dimensions to predict learners’ Lifelong Learning skills dimension. The research was carried out using a survey instrument which measures 34 items within six dimensions including the five dimensions based on the Big Five Personality Traits and the Lifelong Learning skills. The sample for this study was taken from the population of first semester learners during the September 2019 semester. All new learners are enrolled in one of the compulsory courses OUMH1603: Learning Skills for 21st Century. Data was collected online using the Survey Monkey platform within a-month duration. 411 out of 2546 (16.14%) responses were obtained. The data analysis was carried out based on descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling by using SPSS and AMOS software. The findings indicate that all dimensions have high Cronbach’s Alpha scores (more than 0.8) which means that all dimensions are reliable. In addition, Openness to Experience, Conscientiousness, Agreeableness, and Emotional Stability showed positive correlations with the Lifelong Learning skills dimension. The instrument used in this study is able to support system and propose strategies for improving learners’ Lifelong Learning skills.

Keywords

• Adult Learner
• Learner Profiling
• Personality Traits
• Online Evaluation Tool
• Lifelong Learning Skills
• Learners Support