Abstract:

The modern society has been evolving hastily; thus putting pressure on individuals to adapt to the ongoing changes. Life-long learning represents one of the most effective means of successful adaptation. For that reason, many researchers have focused not only on the process of learning itself, but also on factors influencing its effectiveness. Having joined NATO, the Czech Republic faces the obligations connected with interoperability within NATO Armed Forces, which also include achieving required language skills corresponding with ranks of all military personnel. Many soldiers struggle when they face the challenge to acquire new skills to retain their work position. This paper intends to analyze why some students thrive while the others stagnate, even though they all reached the same test score at the beginning of their language course. Qualitative design of research was used to investigate and identify determinants of success or failure both thriving and struggling adult learners. It focuses on students’ ability to incorporate new effective learning strategies through the process of self-directed and self-regulated learning. On the other hand, it also stresses the negative influence of dysfunctional rigid learning styles which some students adopted during their early school years.

Keywords:

Adult learning, self-directed learning, self-regulated learning, metacognition, learning strategies.