ERIC Number: ED449362
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1999-Apr
Pages: 170
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: ISBN-92-64-17026-X
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Overcoming Exclusion through Adult Learning.
Nash, Ian; Walshe, John
Strategies for overcoming exclusion through adult learning were identified through case studies of 19 initiatives in the following countries: Belgium; Mexico; the Netherlands; Norway; Portugal; and the United Kingdom. The study programs involved a diverse array of formal, nonformal, and informal public sector, community, and enterprise-based learning initiatives. Special attention was paid to the following topics: concepts and dimensions of social exclusion and adult learning; national policy approaches and local initiatives designed to combat exclusion through adult learning; and costs and effectiveness. The following were among the main conclusions: (1) given sufficient energy, innovation, and support, innovative programs can help combat even severe disadvantage and exclusion; (2) small-scale but sustained investment can be more effective than less-targeted, "scatter-gun" funding of large-scale programs; (3) policies must be devised in a manner that does not constrain grassroots energy or cross conventional departmental and policy demarcations; (4) programs should be demand driven rather than supply driven; (5) leadership is the crucial determinant of programs' futures; and (6) programs should focus not only on developing vocational knowledge and skills but also on equipping adults for shifting working and labor market arrangements. (Approximately 75% of this document consists of country reports. The bibliography lists 59 references.) (MN)
Descriptors: Access to Education, Adult Education, Adult Learning, Adult Programs, Case Studies, Community Education, Comparative Analysis, Context Effect, Conventional Instruction, Cost Effectiveness, Developed Nations, Developing Nations, Disadvantaged, Educational Environment, Educational Needs, Educational Policy, Educational Practices, Educational Research, Educational Trends, Equal Education, Foreign Countries, Human Capital, Informal Education, Innovation, Job Skills, Learning Theories, Lifelong Learning, Needs Assessment, Nonformal Education, Participation, Partnerships in Education, Private Sector, Program Costs, Program Effectiveness, Public Education, Public Policy, Research Needs, School Business Relationship, Skill Development, Social Integration, Social Isolation, Theory Practice Relationship, Trend Analysis, Vocational Education
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Publication Type: Information Analyses; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, Paris (France). Centre for Educational Research and Innovation.
Identifiers - Location: Belgium; Mexico; Netherlands; Norway; Portugal; United Kingdom
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A