Development and Validation of the Learning Leader Competency Test for University Students in South Korea

Background/purpose. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate the Learning Leader Competency Test in South Korean university students. Based on the analysis of previous studies, this study defined the concept of learning leader competencies, consisting of cognitive, motivational, and behavioral domains. Materials/methods. A total of 638 university students participated in the study and data were collected via online survey. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted using principal axis factoring and Oblimin rotation. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed using maximum likelihood and goodness indices such as IFI, TLI, CFI and RMSEA. Construct, convergent, discriminant, and cross-validities were tested. Results. The Learning Leader Competency Test consists of 23 items and three factors; knowledge, thinking, and problem solving; learning goal orientation and self-determination; and constructive self-expectation and caring for the community. The test’s reliability (Cronbach’s α = .856) and validity were confirmed. Conclusion. This study defines the concept of learning leader competency and identifies the subcomponents of learning leader competency into the cognitive, motivational, and behavioral domains. This test may be applied in order to determine the extent to which university students possess the competency of becoming a leader in learning.