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Deidre Macleod, Learning and Skills Development Agency,
2003. ISBN 1 85338 893 9
This review took place in the context of the publication of
the Learning and Skills Council's national strategy for widening
adult participation in learning, within the twin agendas of
tackling skill deficits and improving social cohesion. The
literature review suggests that a quality improvement strategy
is needed to extend good practice in widening participation
and meet targets for growth across the provider network. It
cautions that such a strategy should concentrate on those
providers that see widening participation as core, or at least
very important, to their business.
While there is a better understanding of how to widen participation,
there are still gaps in our knowledge of how and why people
participate, in particular, what influences decisions on learning
among those groups who appear least motivated to learn. Another
recurring theme is understanding better how to keep interest
in learning alive, even if there is not an immediate participation
in a learning programme.
The review stresses the importance of a funding environment
that supports effective provision for widening participation
such as outreach, engagement, staff development, set-up and
support costs - lessons relevant to the Learning and Skills
Council. A more comprehensive analysis of the role of partnerships
at regional and local level to promote learning is also required.
However, the review warns that there is little hard data
to tell us the likely impact of initiatives and policies on
participation by different groups, what works and how to apply
the lessons learned. This makes it more difficult for planners
to develop an 'evidence-based' approach to devising widening
participation strategies.
Download the full report from www.lsneducation.org.uk
More on...
Macleod, D. (2003). Widening adult participation : a review
of research and development. London: Learning and Skills Development
Agency. |
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