Adult transitions to learning in the USA: What do PIAAC survey results tell us?

Using PIAAC survey and assessment data, the Adult Transitions to Learning in the USA paper identifies adults who pursue purposeful learning in contrast with those who do not – and how either group fares when disaggregated by education background. Another purpose of the paper is to describe learning types that adults pursue, such as gaining basic skills, postsecondary work, online/distance education, or on-the-job training. The paper also investigates the barriers to learning that adults face, their motivators for learning, and factors that predict whether they transition to purposeful learning as adults. Implications for postsecondary education, workforce training, and policy are discussed.