The Identity of Young Adults and their E-learning Performance

Utilizing Marcia’s theory, a pilot study was conducted to determine the relation between the identity status of students and their performance using differing teaching methods (in-class and e-learning). The sample consisted of teaching students, and the main criterion was the use of e-learning. The Identity Status Test and standardized knowledge tests were used to collect data. No relation was identified between the identity status of students and their in-class and e-learning performance. However, the group utilizing e-learning achieved better results compared to the in-class group. Determining the importance of an e-learner’s identity is also necessitated by the need to develop appropriate counselling strategies. The analyses rendered possible a preliminary verification of the utility of the concept for the purpose of explicating the issue of the e-learning performance of contemporary students. The conclusions drawn from the study may also offer utility for adapting mentoring processes to the needs of learners. The author identifies and underlines the need for further, more comprehensive empirical research on the identity of e-learners within the context of their study program, age and gender.