New dawn in adult learning?

Citation

(2000), "New dawn in adult learning?", Journal of European Industrial Training, Vol. 24 No. 8. https://doi.org/10.1108/jeit.2000.00324hab.009

New dawn in adult learning?

New dawn in adult learning?

Keywords: Adult education, Participation

A comprehensive review of adult learning in England has been published by the independent Institute for Employment Studies (IES) and the National Organisation for Adult Learning (NIACE). This report is the result of a survey, conducted as part of the groundwork for an ongoing Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) review of adult learning in a range of countries.

While participation in education and training is generally rising, there is a clear divide between those who benefit from education and training and those who do not. New government policies aim to widen participation and propose fundamental change in the way adult learning is organised in England. However, previous reforms have sometimes had the opposite to the intended effect.

Introducing the report, co-author Jim Hillage said:

We hope the review will act as a comprehensive source of information on the state of adult learning in England at the end of the twentieth century. In that way it will form a benchmark from which the impact of the new reforms can be measured.

The published review sets out:

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  the current policy framework on adult learning, prior to changes in the current Learning and Skills Bill;

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  recent trends in adult participation in learning, based on a review of the latest research; and

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  issues surrounding the barriers to participation, why people learn and the benefits that accrue.

Facts and figures include:

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  There were over half a million part-time students in higher education aged over 25 in 1997/98.

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  Employers spend between £15 billion and £20 billion a year on training.

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  Central government currently spends £11 billion a year on lifelong learning (covering further and higher education for people of all ages).

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  Ninety per cent of adults believe learning is important; two-thirds say they would like to be engaged in a learning activity, but only half expect to in the near future.

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  The biggest reasons for learning are job related, followed by the desire for knowledge and social reasons: to meet others.

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  One in five adults has low levels of literacy; almost half have low levels of numeracy.

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  Employers report deficits in key skills of working with others, self-improvement and problem solving.

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  Middle-aged men with a degree earn 60 per cent more than average earnings; men with no qualification earn 40 per cent less.

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  Learning increases not just pay, but also self-esteem and confidence.

The report (Adult Learning in England: A Review by J. Hillage, T. Uden, F. Aldridge and J. Eccles, IES Report 369, ISBN 1-85184-299-3, £25.00) may be purchased from Grantham Book Services Ltd, Isaac Newton Way, Alma Park Industrial Estate, Grantham NG31 9SD. Tel: +44 (0) 1476 541080; Fax: +44 (0) 1476 541060.

Prospective adult learners can find out more at www.dfee.gov.uk/adlearners