Adult Education Survey, 2006 and 2012

Methodological note on Adult Education Survey, 2006 and 2012
The Adult Education Survey of 2012 was conducted during the period of April-May 2012, aiming at collecting information regarding the
participation of the population aged 25-64 in learning activities during the previous 12 months. The survey was partially financed by the European Commission and was carried out for the second time in Cyprus as well as in all EU member states in a mutual attempt to measure the adult participation in Lifelong Learning Activities. The first time that the survey was conducted was in 2006 during the period of September-December.

SURVEY DESCRIPTION

Survey aim
This survey aimed at collecting information regarding the participation of the population in every type of learning activity which took place with the intention to learn, either through Formal Education, Non-Formal education, or through Informal learning activities. It should be noted that random learning, that is, the learning acquired through activities followed without having the intention to learn, were not covered by the
survey. The survey focused on the description of the learning activities, such as the subject, the reason for participating, the expenditure for participating, the hours taught, etc. Additionally, the survey aimed at collecting other information related to the participation in learning activities, such as the obstacles the participant has faced during his/her participation or non-participation, ICT skills, foreign language use, cultural and social participation, and the attitude towards learning.

Coverage
For the 2006 survey, a random sample of 4.810 private households was covered consisting of persons aged 25-64 from all districts, urban and rural areas, in the Government controlled areas of Cyprus, whereas for the 2012 survey the sample was smaller and counted to 2.404 private households. In each household one person between the ages of 25-64 was randomly selected to answer the questionnaire.

The survey covered the persons who had their usual residence in Cyprus or who intended to reside in Cyprus for at least 12 months. It did not cover conscripts, Cypriot students studying abroad and foreign citizens working in embassies in Cyprus.
Sampling
The simple random sampling method was used, stratified by district and urban/rural area. For the 2006 survey, the response rate was 75,8% and the
final sample size was 4.810 individuals, whereas for the 2012 survey, the response rate rose to 80,1% with a final sample of 2.404 individuals.
Data Collection Method
The data collection was carried out through personal interviews (no proxy answers were allowed) using the CAPI method (Computer Assisted Personal Interview). The electronic questionnaire was developed using the software Blaise.



DEFINITIONS USED
Lifelong learning: Refers to all learning activities undertaken throughout the life of an individual, with the aim of improving knowledge, skills and competences, within a personal, civic, social or employment related context. This particularly addresses Formal and Non-Formal education and training activities, as well as Informal learning.
Learning Activity: is defined as "any activity of an individual organised
with the intention to improve his/her knowledge, skills and competence”. The two fundamental criteria to distinguish learning activities from non-learning activities are:1) the activity must be intentional (as opposed to random learning), so the act has a predetermined purpose and 2) the activity is organised in some way by the learner himself/herself or by other person or body;

Types of learning activities

Formal education: Refers to the learning activities that take place within the regular educational system. This system includes the educational institutions, public and private (schools, colleges, universities) that offer organized and systematic education which lead to the certification of diplomas of primary, secondary or tertiary education level recognized by the Ministry of Education and Culture.
Non-formal education: Refers to the learning activities which take place
outside the regular educational system but are organized and involve teaching. These can be of short or long duration and usually the participant should enroll in order to participate. These activities could be in the form of courses, seminars, conferences, private lessons, adult education programmes, apprenticeship schemes and many more.
Informal learning activities: Refer to the self-taught learning activities which are not part of a taught activity or programme of studies. These are
the various activities where the person learns on his/her own and the learning procedure is organized from the learner without the direct involvement of a teacher, school or institution. The methods of informal learning examined in this survey are the following:
1. Learning through the help of a friend, colleague or family member. 2. Making use of printed materials (e.g. professional books, magazines and the like)
3. Computer based learning/training; online internet based web education or offline. 4. Studying by making use of educational broadcasting programmes. (T.V, Radio, DVD) 5. Guided tours in museums, archaeological sites, natural sites, etc. 6. Visiting learning centres aimed at transmitting educational content (library, learning centres, etc)


European Commission. The views expressed herein are those of the author and can therefore in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Commission.
Last Update: 27/02/2014
For additional information:
Mrs Demetra Costa Tel. 22602147

Mrs Maria Hadjiprokopi Tel. 22602146