A1 Journal article (refereed)
Understanding adults’ strong problem-solving skills based on PIAAC (2017)

Hämäläinen, R., De Wever, B., Nissinen, K., & Cincinnato, S. (2017). Understanding adults’ strong problem-solving skills based on PIAAC. Journal of Workplace Learning, 29(7/8), 537-553. https://doi.org/10.1108/JWL-05-2016-0032

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Hämäläinen, Raija; De Wever, Bram; Nissinen, Kari; Cincinnato, Sebastiano

Journal or series: Journal of Workplace Learning

ISSN: 1366-5626

eISSN: 1758-7859

Publication year: 2017

Volume: 29

Issue number: 7/8

Pages range: 537-553

Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JWL-05-2016-0032

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access: 

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/56039

Abstract

Purpose: Research has shown that the problem-solving skills of adults with a vocational education and training (VET) background in technology-rich environments (TREs) are often inadequate. However, some adults with a VET background do have sound problem-solving skills. The present study aims to provide insight into the socio-demographic, work-related and everyday life factors that are associated with a strong problem-solving performance. Design/methodology/approach: The study builds on large-scale data of the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) and gives insight into VET adults (N = 12,929) with strong problem-solving skills in 11 European countries. Findings: This study introduces new knowledge with respect to the socio-demographic, work-related and everyday life background factors that contribute to successful VET adults’ problem-solving skills. The findings of the authors illustrate that a continuous process of development including non-formal and informal activity, as well as learning taking place at work, is associated with strong performance in problem-solving skills in TRE. Research limitations/implications: An important implication of this study is that this paper introduces novel knowledge for VET adults’ competences and can be used to support the development of VET adults’ problem-solving skills in TREs. Originality/value: The study was conducted to explore new understanding about good problem-solvers in TREs with a VET background. The originality of the study derives from its focus on good problem-solvers in TREs related to a VET background. The findings can be used to create novel ways to enhance the development of VET adults’ problem-solving skills in TREs.

Keywords: working life; problem solving; vocational education and training; occupational adult education; on-the-job learning; professional development

Free keywords: technology-rich environments; the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC); large-scale assessment; problem-solving skills; Workplace Learning; Vocational Education and Training; Apprenticeship

Contributing organizations

Related projects

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2017

JUFO rating: 1