Other Evidence Submitted to the Inquiry

Adult Learning in Northern Ireland: an overview of current policies and practice
This paper provides an overview of current adult learning policies and practice in Northern Ireland and explores how the vibrant and diverse culture of adult and community education, which was such a sustaining force in the dark days of the Troubles, is being replaced by a truncated form of provision. A radical initiative is required if the new discourse is be opened up to challenge.  (G)

Adult Learning in Rural Areas
The paper argues that the ‘rural proofing’ of government policy in England has failed to protect formal learning opportunities in rural areas. It argues the case for adult learning in rural areas for work, personal development, community development and sustainability, delivered through both statutory and voluntary effort. (G)

Adults in Further Education: A Policy Overview
Policy on FE is aimed at tackling social exclusion and contributing to economic efficiency. This paper identifies several measures that have contributed to increasing both participation and achievements of adults. However, the paper also argues that the needs of many of the most disadvantaged adults remain unmet. (s)

The effects of adult learning on social and economic outcomes
This review considers research-based evidence on the benefits of adult learning, focussing on both economic and non-economic benefits and quantitative evidence mainly from the UK. Reviewed studies include those on income, employment, health, civic engagement and attitude change, educational progression and intergenerational transmission of adult education. (SP)

Expert Seminar on Lifelong Learning in Northern Ireland
This note summarises the key points and issues for further consideration by the Inquiry that were raised during the Northern Ireland Expert Seminar on 09 September 2008. (G)

Expert Seminar on Lifelong Learning in Scotland
This note summarises the key points and issues for further consideration by the Inquiry that were raised during the Scotland Expert Seminar on 11 December 2008. (G)

Expert Seminar on Lifelong Learning in Wales
This note summarises key points from the seminar, and indicates policy messages and insights from the Wales context which could be further explored through the Scotland and Northern Ireland seminars where appropriate. These findings will feed back into the Inquiry’s overall thinking about the features of a UK strategic framework. (G)

Lifelong learning: debates and discourses
The purpose of this paper is to survey the emergent terms, themes or discourses that seem to possess sustained or recent resonance with those responsible for conceptualising lifelong learning. It attempts to summarise the work of some of those who have dedicated their work, thinking and energy to conceptualising lifelong learning. Their views on recent developments and of what could be signs of stable trends for the coming years are presented in the paper. (B)

The Public Value of Adult Learning: Skills and Social Productivity
In this paper, we provide an overview of the findings of the Centre for Research on the Wider Benefits of Learning on the benefits of adult learning. We set out an overview of the conceptual work undertaken, so as to clarify in a single, general framework the mechanisms for achievement of the wider benefits of learning. We describe within this framework the empirical findings on the benefits of adult learning, particularly with respect to adult health. Finally, we set out the possible barriers for why, despite substantial evidence that adult leaning is very important for people’s lives and that the skills people developed through wider forms of educational provision are key for a large number of health and social outcomes, there is not greater investment in adult education. (Sp*)

“Quality” in post compulsory education and training in England and Wales
This paper attempts to summarise, with some commentary, strands of government policy and strategy concerning the ‘quality’ of post-compulsory education and training in particular and higher education in England, with some reference also to post-compulsory education and training, and higher education, in Wales. These last areas, being less familiar, have been covered in less depth.
Summary of Quality paper (B)

Review of recent adult learning policy in Wales
This paper contains key statistics on adult learning, recent political developments, key themes and an evaluation of those key themes in recent adult learning policy in Wales. (G)

A summary of the issues raised in NIACE policy responses in the last decade
This paper is a summary of NIACE policy responses to proposals made by Government and its agencies in the last decade. More detailed policy work undertaken by NIACE is covered in policy papers and research reports which should be reflected in the literature reviews the Commission will be receiving. (B)