Association of historical events and the development of self-directed learning readiness of amateur radio operators.

Abstract

This study was designed to determine the association between historical events and the development of self-directed learning readiness of amateur radio operators as measured by Guglielmino's (1977) Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale. The research design was based on the following four-step procedure.

Four conclusions emerged from this investigation: (1) Self-directed learning readiness as measured by Guglielmino's SDLRS is associated, in the sample studied, with being an amateur radio operator, sex, educational level, preference to study alone, number of hobbies, and occupation. (2) Historical events, whether micro, meso, or macro are associated with developing an interest in amateur radio, and thus by definition demonstrating high SDL. The interaction of these experiences, the age of the respondent, and the importance of the larger macro cultural framework in the development of high SDLR is unclear. (3) Respondents in the High group tended to be younger when they developed an interest in amateur radio. (4) The explanation for the association between historical events, whether micro, meso, or macro and adult self-directed learning readiness is complex.

First, 262 amateur radio operators were asked to respond to eleven questions on a demographic survey and to complete Guglielmino's Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS). Second, after analysis of the SDLRS, 40 respondents--20 from the highest quartile and 20 from the lowest were selected for in-depth interviews to obtain qualitative information concerning the circumstances surrounding the development of their initial interest in amateur radio. Third, micro, meso, and macro events associated with the respondents interest in becoming an amateur radio operator were identified and analyzed to find patterns of association between the events and adult self-directed learning readiness. Fourth, abnormally high and low numbers of amateur radio operators by birth year were correlated with major conspicuous events in American history to identify patterns that could be associated with the development of SDLR.