ERIC Number: EJ1126457
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2005-Nov
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1477-9714
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Where Do They Go? A Study of Progression in the South Wales Valleys
Payne, Robert; Wakely, Katrina; Maddy, Kathryn
Journal of Adult and Continuing Education, v11 n2 p170-187 Nov 2005
Informal learning is still a core part of lifelong learning provision in higher education (HE). However, the focus is now moving to accredited courses that aim to provide progression pathways towards HE-level qualifications. This study surveyed community learners at local education venues in the South Wales Valleys and surrounding areas. A questionnaire was used to gather information on learners' educational profiles and future progression aims. There were 153 respondents, with 70 taking accredited courses and 83 taking non-accredited courses. Key findings showed that women and older people (60+ years) in the sample take more accredited than non-accredited courses, and 61 per cent of learners with no previous educational qualifications intended to progress on to accredited courses. Of the non-accredited learners, 27 per cent hoped to progress onto accredited courses, and only 8 per cent of accredited learners intended to go back to non-accredited courses. Learners' future progression aims suggest that non-accredited learners aim to further develop existing skills or move towards accredited courses. Accredited learners, however, show a less clear pattern of future progression aims. Possible barriers in the transition from level 0 credit-bearing modules to FE/HE study are discussed, and a progression pathway project is proposed that will provide clear pathway maps for all community learners.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Questionnaires, Community Surveys, Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, Student Educational Objectives, Informal Education, Conventional Instruction, Structured Interviews, Age Differences, Employment Level, Gender Differences, Educational Attainment, Student Attitudes
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United Kingdom (Wales)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A