A Case Study on Adult and Workplace Learning

This case study aimed to determine the effects of adult learning on employee development and performance. Specifically, the authors sought to discern whether the provision of an annual education allotment impacted employees’ learning; whether the availability of a no-cost online education and training tool promoted voluntary learning and professional development; and, whether informal but mandatory workplace trainings promoted active performance-based learning and self-development. Data from a United States (US) Government office were collected and analyzed using mixed methods including quantitative and qualitative analyses. Although three different learning modalities were available, the realism was that in all learning activities, intrinsic motivation was an unavoidable paradigm that evokes and sustains effective learning, and as a result, positive job performance. In other words, a reciprocal relationship between motivation and achievement must be present to achieve and ensure continued success.