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Fixing or changing the pattern?
Reflections on widening adult participation in learning

This study is based on the views of practitioners and Veronica McGivney’s research over the last decade. She examines whether there have been any real changes in participation in organised forms of education and training since the publication in 1990 of her important book Education’s for other people: access to education for
non-participant adults.

Fixing or changing the pattern? The study starts by looking at surveys and research into adult participation trends over the last decade and goes on to analyse some of the reasons why the social
class profile of learners in organised forms of education and training has changed so little. McGivney argues that non-participation in post-compulsory education and training is the product not just of personal circumstances, dispositions and preferences but also of economic and labour market changes, institutional factors and government policies which have often militated against efforts to encourage a wider mix of people to engage in organised learning. She considers some of the approaches and strategies that have proved most effective in widening participation and examines whether current policies are likely to achieve the intended goal of lifelong learning. The study concludes with a discussion of what still needs to be done in order to achieve a more balanced adult learner profile.

By providing a clear analysis of what has fostered or inhibited engagement in learning over the last decade, Fixing or changing the pattern? will be of value to all who are concerned with widening participation. Reflections on widening adult participation in learning.

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