Diverse Learning Styles of Non Formal Adult Learners in Community Colleges in Malaysia

This paper reports on a study that identifies the learning styles of adult learners in non formal education programs at selected Malaysian community colleges. A survey of 959 adult learners from 14 community colleges was carried out to determine their learning styles using a modified version of Conti's Principles of Adult learning Scales. The data gathered were analyzed descriptively using SPSS packages. Results from the descriptive analysis revealed that the adult learners displayed behaviours of learner-centred and teacher-centred styles. Based on these findings, some strategies for instructors teaching community colleges or other adult students are recommended.