FACTORS AFFECTING ADULTS' DECISION TO STUDY IN ADULT HIGHER EDUCATION: THE CASE STUDY STUDENT OF GUANGZHOU HUASHANG VOCATIONAL COLLEGE

Abstract

This study takes students from Guangzhou Huashang Vocational College as examines to explore the factors affecting adults' decision to study in adult higher education. The study identified six factors based on motivation theory, behavior theory and the PRISM-T model: Pathway to a better life, Reflective learner, Institutional support, Synchronizing learning earning and living, Match with an academic reputation, and Time out of school. Data were collected via questionnaires from 397 adult graduates using stratified random sampling. The results showed that all six factors in the conceptual framework were statistically associated with adults' decisions to study in adult higher education. The strongest influence came from "Synchronizing learning, earning, and living," followed by "Institutional support" and "Pathway to a better life." The findings provide actionable insights for school administrators to improve enrollment strategies and enhance the quality of adult higher education programs. However, this study also has certain limitations, as the sample is limited to a single institution sample of adult higher education (short-cycle courses) students who have recently graduated from Guangzhou Huashang Vocational College. Future research should expand the sample and incorporate qualitative methods for deeper insights.