Motivation as a key factor in lifelong learning

Abstract

This study aims to determine the predominant motivation among users of the vocational training for employment (VTE) system and to discern whether there are differences according to socio-demographic traits such as gender, age, and employment status. Motivation is a factor that has to be taken into account during any teaching-learning process. The students' interest in the practice and contents will be key for their educational development and the attainment of achievements for their incorporation into the labor market. We carried out a quantitative study based on the survey technique. The sample is obtained through a deliberate sampling, obtaining a total of 390 participants (38.2% of men and 61.8%) involved in training processes at the time of the study or recently completed. The results reveal that the rates of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation are high, especially the former. This indicates that users participate in training guided by the personal satisfaction they perceive, as well as by the feeling of usefulness of what they learn for its transfer to everyday life.