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Some file on this page are PDF files. Informal Adult Learning - Shaping the Way Ahead
NIACE warmly welcomes the initiative of John Denham, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, in opening a debate about the role voluntary, community and cultural agencies can play, alongside educational providers, in the education of adults. The breadth of concerns shown in the consultation paper ‘Informal Adult Learning – Shaping the Way Ahead’ is also welcome, if overdue, from a government committed to lifelong learning. Like the government, we are convinced that adult learners will be best served by effective partnerships between educational providers and all the other agencies with an interest in supporting learning. However, NIACE is concerned at the paper’s failure to recognise the scale of the impact of reductions in public provision for adult education, where 1,400,000 adults have lost their classes in just two years. We are concerned, too, that the paper does little to recognise the rich contributions colleges, universities and adult education services make to cultural life or their key role in widening participation. We will be keen to highlight these issues in our response to the consultation. Nevertheless our welcome for the paper is genuine. We believe it offers a serious opportunity to shape policy affecting adult learning.
This consultation matters to everyone who believes in adult learning and who hopes for some kind of public support for those adults wanting to learn something new. This might be to pay for teachers or instructors; to get access to public buildings and equipment at affordable cost; to have good educational websites or broadcasts; to link-up with like-minded learners or simply to get help in finding what is available. It matters even if people do not want to go back to learning themselves because it is about the support they expect to be there for their parents, partners, neighbours, workmates and children. This makes it a consultation about what kind of a society we want to live in and how to get a fair distribution of public money.
Obviously the government will expect a response from those engaged in running centres and activities but in this case a much wider cross search of society is being consulted. This is a real opportunity because Government seldom invites ordinary citizens to get involved in this kind of discussion and possibly have more of a say. In the past, this kind of learning has been pushed to the edges of bigger plans for colleges, universities, for workplace training, the BBC licence fee or what local councils do. Otherwise the Government has relied upon expert committees to tell them what is best.
It is a challenge to respond to 27 separate questions from the Government –
some of which assume knowledge of what exists already and why. But it is a
much-needed consultation at a time when 1.4 million places in publicly-supported
adult learning in England have been lost over the last two years. NIACE is
concerned to get a large number of thoughtful responses that will improve the
quality of public policy-making.
These losses have resulted not only from an adult learning policy focussed very
directly on skills for the workplace but from uncertainty and changing messages
to providers about priorities and local delivery. The consultation process needs
to be run with a real understanding, not currently evident, of the connectivity
at local level between adult learning for engagement, adult learning for
personal development and adult learning for skills. It needs to be clear that
while for confident learners informal learning opportunities are an opportunity,
for others good teaching is a necessary step along the way to competent and
confident independent learning. Providers need to mix the new with the tried and
tested to meet the multiplicity of needs within communities and the government
to understand that such a mix is what the best developing partnerships are
already working to secure.
NIACE strongly supports the creation and maintenance of a stable infrastructure for adult learning provision able to provide promotion; support for quality and staff development, guidance in such a complex system and to secure the kind of innovative outreach that will make adult learning accessible to all not only the capable middle classes. We believe that, given this, and provided stability is guaranteed, there is a real chance for the development of the kind of partnerships and approaches the paper seeks. Without a hub where learners can look for advice and informal providers for support, those least able will lose their way. Providers have been struggling without this security for too long.
NIACE will give detailed answers to each of the questions and encourages others to do the same by reading the 34 pages the discussion paper (on the internet at www.adultlearningconsultation.org.uk ). There are, however, eight big themes that NIACE believes need to figure in responses.
- Where are the boundaries?
- Quality
- Accessibility
- Innovation
- Technology
- Variety
- Progression
- Motivation and Guidance.
Download the full text of NIACE's initial response here
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Adult Learners' Week 2008 - Event in a Box
The nominations for the 2008 Adult Learners’ Week Awards have now closed. Over a thousand individuals, groups and providers have been nominated. The selection process starts now and winners will be announced in early May.
However if you’re planning an event for Adult Learners’ Week (17-23 May 2008) we have everything you might need in an 'event in a box'.
The Event in a Box is an exciting new resource for Adult Learners’ Week 2008.
This complete kit of materials is designed to support you in holding local activities and events during the week – it couldn’t be any easier!
The Event in a Box caters for at least 50 participants and will be available from the end of January for £40.
More details can be found on the on the Event in a Box Flyer - [PDF]
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Learning from Practice
Challenges and issues for adult guidance sectors
This conference will examine how the proposed adult careers service can achieve a move from the margins to the mainstream for adults with the greatest barriers to learning and career advancement.
The development of an adult careers service has occupied an increasingly prominent place in government policy following the Leitch Review of Skills.
Supporting adults whose learning and skills development needs are greatest, and who face stubborn obstacles to successful participation in learning and career progression, will be central to the purpose of the new service. Yet research suggests that awareness and use of information, advice and guidance services by people from marginalised groups are relatively low, and that careers advisers often feel under-equipped to meet their complex needs.
This conference will bring together various professionals from careers advisors to University academics to engage with expert speeches as well as hear from people who are using innovative approaches to engage these adults. A particular highlight will be the targeted workshops on how to work with five particularly marginalised groups – Ex-offenders; people with mental health difficulties; migrant workers; older people; and woman from black and ethnic minority communities.
Wednesday 6 February 2008, 9:45am - 3:30pm
National College for School Leadership (NCSL), Triumph Road, Nottingham NG8 1DH
Event fee per person: £198
For more information or to book your place
http://www.niace.org.uk/Conferences/LearningFromPractice.htm
Tel: 0116 204 2833
E-mail: gurjit.kaur@niace.org.uk
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Consultation on informal adult learning launched
A national consultation about informal learning was launched on Tuesday January 15th 2008 by the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, the Rt. Hon John Denham MP, at a seminar organised by the Social Market Foundation (SMF) and sponsored by NIACE.
Welcoming the consultation, Alan Tuckett, Director of NIACE, said:
"I welcome the Government's timely consultation on how best the rich tapestry of informal learning opportunities for adults can be supported and encouraged. Bringing public investment and provision, voluntary sector and self-help initiatives, broadcast and on-line opportunities into a closer relationship must make sense to make the best use of scarce resources, to make sure no one misses out because they don't know what is on offer, or because the support they need is not easily available. It presents timely challenges for us all."
On Thursday 17th January, Mr Denham will be joined by former minister Tony Benn and Gemma Tumelty, President of the National Union of Students who will speak at the final part of NIACE’s triad of conferences on Further Education in the 21st century. The Conference is sponsored by the TES FE Focus and the Centre for Excellence in Leadership.
Related Links:
 | DIUS Publication: Informal Adult Learning - Shaping the Way Ahead - [PDF] |
| DIUS Press Release about the consultation |
| Consultation response form |
| NIACE conference: FE in the 21st Century |
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Nominations' deadline for Adult Learners' Week approaching
NOMINATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED!
Tutors, employers, friends and anyone else who want remarkable and inspirational adult learners to win an Adult Learners’ Week Award in May are running out of time. All nomination forms need to be received by the Awards Team at NIACE by Friday 25th January 2008.
The awards form part of the UK’s largest festival of learning – Adult Learners’ Week (17th – 23rd May 2008) – and each of the inspirational learners’ stories show how learning as an adult can create confidence, inspire new careers and completely transform lives for the better.
Adults who’ve learned as individuals, as families or as part of a group can be nominated for the awards as well as organisations which have created new and innovative opportunities for adults to learn.
Kamy Basra, Publicity Officer at NIACE, said:
“Each year we look for the most remarkable, dedicated and inspirational learners for the Adult Learners’ Week Awards. But we can’t do that without your help. If you know someone whose learning achievements deserve recognition and could inspire others to give learning a go then nominate them for an Adult Learners’ Week Award.”
She ended, “But the deadline is getting closer so for more information about how to nominate for this year’s Adult Learners’ Week Awards either check out our website www.alw.org.uk/nominate , email - alw@niace.org.uk or phone the NIACE Campaigns Team on 0116 204 4200. And who knows, your learner could be receiving a national award in May.”
Source: NIACE Press Release: "Nomination's deadline for Adult Learners' Week approaching" - [PDF] Released On 14/01/2008
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Adult learning in the spotlight
A national consultation about informal learning will be launched by the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, the Rt. Hon John Denham MP, at a seminar organised by the Social Market Foundation (SMF) on Tuesday January 15th 2008.
Sponsored by NIACE, the event - The Value of Adult Education in the 21st Century - will feature a keynote speech from Mr Denham on ‘The Value of Adult Education in the 21st Century’, and an introduction from Professor Richard Taylor (member and formerly Chair of NIACE’s Policy Committee and Director of Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning at the University of Cambridge). The event will be chaired by SMF Director Ann Rossiter.
More information on SMF Conference: The Value of Adult Education in the 21st Century
Two days later Mr Denham will be joined by former minister Tony Benn and Gemma Tumelty, President of the National Union of Students who will speak at the final part of NIACE’s triad of conferences on Further Education in the 21st century. The Conference is sponsored by the TES FE Focus and the Centre for Excellence in Leadership.
More information on the NIACE conference: FE in the 21st Century
Reports of both events will be made available on this website.
In the future, NIACE will be arranging opportunities for politicians from opposition parties to explore topics with our members and supporters.
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The Really Useful Book of Learning and Earning
The Really Useful Book of Learning and Earning (2008) is aimed at disabled people who are not working but would like to.
The book is full of information and advice to help people in their journey into work. There are blank action plans to help people set out goals, a diary, hints and tips for job hunting, information about learning opportunities, a FAQ section on different kinds of benefits and how taking up work might affect them. There are also inspiring stories of people who have moved off benefits into work , very often using learning as a route into earning.
The book can be viewed online here as a PDF.
FREE hard copies are also available. Register your interest by emailing your name and full postal address to sue.rees@niace.org.uk, stating how many copies you require.
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Funding for English classes to be retargeted to aid integration
Following the announcement from Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, John Denham, that public funding for English language teaching should be targeted where it will have the biggest impact on community cohesion and integration, Alan Tuckett, Director of National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE), said:
"I warmly welcome Government's recognition of the key importance of provision of English for Speakers of Other Languages to community cohesion, and that it continues to consult widely on policy development in a rapidly evolving field. Access to a common language is a pre-condition to effective participation at work and in community life. I welcome, too, the recognition in the paper that some communities continue to have less access to provision, and the wider civic engagement it makes possible, and the clear steer that providers and funders will need to give these groups priority in the use of available resources."
To read more about this announcement please go to: http://www.dius.gov.uk/Press/04-01-08.html
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Make New Year's resolutions happen through learning
Whether you want to be healthier, change - or progress in - your career or get on top of your finances in 2008, NIACE - the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education - is encouraging everyone as part of their January Sign Up Now Campaign to learn new skills and complete their New Year’s resolution.
Sign Up Now runs throughout the whole of January and encourages every adult to think about how learning new skills can completely transform lives. Colleges, adult education centres, workplaces, libraries, museums, and community centres across the country will be offering information on a wide range of courses from aromatherapy to numeracy to zoology. Advice is also available from learndirect, call free on 0800 100 900.
Adults that know the transformational power of learning include winners of the Adult Learners’ Week Awards in 2007:
Ray Jackson, aged 56, from Wolverhampton, said, “In my wildest dreams I could never have imagined where I am now! Studying … has been a life changing experience. It has enabled me to change career, to make many new friends and has also changed my outlook on life.”
Diane Brook, aged 38, from Dorset, said, “Learning has given me a second chance in life… It has always been my dream to become a qualified hairdresser. I never thought I would be given the chance but I have.”
Laura Lovejoy-Carter, aged 33, from Northampton, said, “It had been a very long time since I had studied formally, so returning to the classroom became a daunting prospect. Adult learning has opened a door to a new career and opportunities that I feel will enrich my life and the lives of my family.”
Anthony Bucknall, aged 37, from Wolverhampton, said, “I decided to return to learning because I wanted to do more with my life, and to prove to myself and others that I was worth something.”
Hazel Church, aged 51, from Leeds, “I knew I had potential. I was not going to grow into a ‘sit at home’ and knit granny. I wanted to learn with my grandchildren. I have gained qualifications I never knew existed.”
Rachel Thomson, Senior Campaigns Officer at NIACE, says, “Many people find a new lease of life when they decide to learn something new and there are thousands of adults across the country who are proof of how learning transforms lives. There is clear evidence from their remarkable stories that learning can improve self-confidence, mental and physical health and reduce stress and isolation. The New Year is a perfect time to take on a new challenge and steer your life in the direction you want it to go in, start the process by calling learndirect free on 0800 100 900.”
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Listen to Diane
Brook's Story here [MP3 - 3MB] (If the podcast does not start playing in your browser, right click and save it onto your computer and then play it back through your usual media player) |
Download more Sign Up Now Podcasts here >
Find out more about Sign Up Now here >
Source: NIACE Press Release: "Make New Year's resolutions happen through learning" - [PDF] Released On 02/01/2008
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FE in the 21st Century - The future
The latest figures from the Learning and Skills Council show that almost 1.5 million places have been lost in public-funded adult education in the last 2 years.
As Alan Tuckett, Director of NIACE has said: "These are increasingly desperate times."
So what does the future - influenced by Foster and Leitch and with a new Government Department - hold. The third and final of NIACE's FE in the 21st Century Conferences - sponsored by TES FE Focus - will discuss what to work for and what to resist. The Conference - taking place on Thursday 17th January 2008 - will include:
| Tony Benn, former Government Minister and Labour MP |
| John Denham, Secretary of State at DIUS |
| Alan Tuckett, Director of NIACE |
| Barry Lovejoy, UCU National Head of FE |
| Gemma Tumelty, President of the NUS |
| Frances O’Grady, TUC Deputy General Secretary |
| Lynne Sedgmore CBE, Chief Executive – Centre for Excellence in Leadership |
| Neil Scales, Director General – MerseyTravel |
More information on the conference available here
Tony Benn has been interviewed by Paul Stanistreet for the December issue of Adults Learning.
Read the Tony Benn interview here - [PDF]
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Increasingly desperate times as 700,000 adults are lost to learning
According to the latest figures released by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) in the Statistical First Release, 700,000 learners have been lost to publicly-funded adult education in the last year. This now means that in just 2 years there has been a fall of 1,400,000 adult learners.
Alan Tuckett, Director of NIACE, said:
“How much further does the Government think we can afford to go? These are increasingly desperate times for adult education. It is of course the Government’s prerogative to set priorities and the modest gains in workplace learning highlighted here are welcome. But the loss of 1,400,000 learners from publicly-funded adult education in just 2 years comes at a very high price for social cohesion, for community well-being and for older people in particular, for civic engagement.“
He ended, “There is, after all, more to life than work and adult learning can play a part in supporting people’s aspirations and curiosities across the full span of social policy concerns. But it’s not a role it can play if those opportunities are dwindling drastically.“
Download Statistical First Release from the LSC website here
Source: NIACE Press Release: "Increasingly desperate times as 700,000 adults are lost to learning" - [PDF] Released On 20/12/2007
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