Latest News: May 2008

Preventing elder financial abuse - expert seminars from NIACE

NIACE is holding a series of expert seminars around the country where professionals, community workers and other intermediaries will be invited to discuss any experiences they may have of dealing with or any ideas they may have in the broad field of elder financial abuse.

These seminars will lead to the development of a range of innovative educational materials which address the key issues of elder finance abuse – identification, prevention and remediation. The materials will be pragmatic and empowering tools that can be used by older people, professionals, caring agencies, the police and carers as well as the perpetrators of such abusive (and criminal) behaviour to help prevent and reduce the incidence of elder financial abuse.

Dr Tony Maltby, from NIACE, said:

“As a central element of our research strategy, we are running a series of six regional half-day workshop sessions. Each session will involve up to 25 selected and invited individuals as representatives of the key stakeholders in the locality with the specific expertise and knowledge of this area of work. Each session will be informed by and seek to build upon the several extensive and recent formal literature reviews that have been conducted over the past five years or so.”

Each seminar will run from 1.00 p.m. until 5.00 p.m. and lunch will be provided. The dates and locations of the seminars are as follows:

For more information on these seminars please contact Gillian Aird on 0116 204 2843 or email: gillian.aird@niace.org.uk

To book a place on one of the seminars please contact Gurjit Kaur on 0116 204 2833 or email: gurjit.kaur@niace.org.uk

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Adele Parks is voted favourite author by adult learners

Adult learners have voted Adele Parks’ book Happy Families their favourite Quick Reads title of 2008. The Quick Reads Learners’ Favourite Award, sponsored by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS), was announced on Wednesday 21 May 2008, by Sue Meyer, Deputy Director of the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) at a ceremony held as part of Adult Learners’ Week (17th – 23rd May).

The vote was conducted via an online poll and voters included adult literacy groups, Union Learning Representatives, library visitors and the general public who have purchased the books - the vast majority of whom were adult learners. Voters chose between the ten titles published earlier this year on World Book Day, 6th March:

When she received the award, Adele Parks said:

‘Everybody who gets involved in Quick Reads is committed, we all want to make a difference, and so I’d like to accept this award on behalf of everyone working on this project.’ She added, ‘Every single learner in this room is possibly a braver person than I am because they’ve tried something new and it takes a lot of courage to do that. So I’d like to accept this award on behalf of all the learners. Thank you very much for this opportunity to make a difference.’

Happy Families is a novel about a 42 year-old divorced Mum of three and who is going out with a man five years younger than her. Lisa worries that Mark is going to leave her just as her husband did and that she won’t get another chance at love and happiness.

Quick Reads was launched on World Book Day in March 2006, with the aim of reaching out to the millions of adults in the UK with reading difficulties and the one third of the British population that never picks up a book. They are specially written, many of them by best-selling authors and popular personalities, for both reluctant readers and for avid readers wanting a short, fast-paced read.

Minette Walters’ book, Chickenfeed, was awarded the Quick Reads Learners’ Favourite Award in 2006. Ricky Tomlinson received the award last year for his novel Reading My Arse.

Source: NIACE Press Release: "Adele Parks is voted favourite author by adult learners" - [PDF] Released On 21/05/2008

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Creative writing project awards new authors

Adult learners throughout the country have put pen to paper to express themselves for this year’s Voices on a Page national writing competition. Aimed at adult literacy, language and numeracy learners in Skills for Life classes in England, Voices on a Page is a celebration of writing and of adult education. The seven winning authors will be presented with their awards by former Government Minister, Tony Benn, at The Globe Theatre in London on Wednesday 21st May 2008.

Research by the NRDC (National Research and Development Centre for Adult Literacy and Numeracy) - who have co-ordinated the initiative with NIACE (National Institute of Adult Continuing Education) - shows a decline in creative writing within literacy classes despite its beneficial effects on adult learners’ motivation and engagement. Voices on a Page - now in its second year – was developed in response to this research.

Ursula Howard, Director of NRDC, said:

“Voices on a Page is a project which stresses that literacy is not just about reading. Writing is the neglected literacy - too often it is not fully taught and it is not assessed in Skills for Life learning. Voices on a Page is about celebrating and supporting the development of writing skills and practices - people need to write in daily life, at work and as a fundamentally important way of expressing who they are - something many of us take for granted.”

Learners were asked to write about anything that expresses what it is to be alive at the moment. The competition has received over 900 pieces of writing from adult learners covers fact and fiction, prose and poetry, short stories and autobiography.

Tony Benn, who will be presenting winners with their awards this year, said:

“For a democracy to be real, people have got to be able to speak and write for themselves, to put their own case, and not just be part of an audience for famous people to address them or tell them what to do. The right to be heard is as important as the right to speak.”

Carol Taylor, Director of Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Workplace Learning for NIACE, said:

“One of last year’s winners, Wahiba Boudiaf, said, ‘We can know people and places better by reading other people’s stories.’ This captures the spirit of Voices on a Page, which at its heart is about celebrating the achievements of adult learners in all their diversity.”

As well as a national awards ceremony, an online story bank has been launched ( www.nrdc.org.uk/voices ) and a book will be published by New Leaf publishers in Autumn 2008.

Source: NIACE Press Release: "Creative writing project awards new authors" - [PDF] Released On 21/05/2008

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Learning plays a key role in the nation's culture

Conference from NIACE

The links between adult learning and culture was the focus of this year’s Adult Learners’ Week Annual Policy Conference, organised by NIACE (the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education). Held at the London Chambers of Commerce, on Tuesday 20th May 2008, the conference included contributions from David Lammy MP, Minister for Skills, together with his Conservative and Liberal Democrat counterparts – John Hayes MP and Stephen Williams MP respectively.

As well as offering broad policy perspectives on cultural engagement and the contributions it can make to the achievement of a learning society, the event focussed on how the media, cinema, heritage organisations, libraries, galleries and museums can each provide vital steps in adults’ learning journeys.

Rachel Thomson, Senior Campaigns Officer at NIACE, said:

“Museums and galleries were visited by nearly half of the UK adult population last year with similarly high levels of adults visiting libraries. The time has come to capitalise on people’s enthusiasms. Through this year’s Adult Learners’ Week Conference, we hope to explore further about how far adults’ participation in cultural activities can lead to their increased engagement in learning - helping to change lives, bring families together and create cohesive communities”.

Source: NIACE Press Release: "Learning plays a key role in the nation's culture" - [PDF] Released On 20/05/2008

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Does your institution have the IT factor?

Adults are increasingly using technology in formal and informal learning. NIACE has been working closely with Becta, the government agency leading the national drive to improve learning through technology, to promote the Next Generation Learning Campaign. Many organisations are turning to technology to enrich learning experiences. However, there is still some way to go to achieve this positive impact for all learners. To encourage excellence, Becta is announcing Next Generation Learning Awards 2009: Technology Excellence in FE & Skills.

Technology is at the heart of everyday life for us all and its value is now being realised in education and training as well.

Adult Learners' Week celebrates the range and diversity of adult learning, and it is also the perfect time to consider the benefits technology brings to learners of all ages. Technology has the potential to enable learning anywhere, when and how people want. When used effectively it can transform teaching and learning. For example:

Technology makes learning more exciting and interesting. Gone are the days when chalk and a blackboard were the only learning tools in a classroom. Interactive whiteboards, podcasting, digital cameras, online learning resources and video conferencing are being used to bring classes to life

‘Virtual learning environments’ enable students to access reports, reviews and individual learning plans at the click of a button. This means it is easier for learners to stay on top of their work. It also improves communication between teachers and students, helping teachers to support every learner’s individual needs

Technology allows students with families or jobs to learn in a more flexible way. Resources can be accessed online 24-7, meaning learners can fit their studies around their busy lives

In recent years schools, colleges and training providers have made significant investment in technology, but these resources are not always used to their full potential.

Becta, the government agency leading the national drive to improve learning through technology, is launching the Next Generation Learning Awards: Technology Excellence in FE and Skills, to recognise the colleges and training providers using technology most effectively for the benefit of learners. The final deadline for entries is 9 July 2008 and winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in early 2009.

To find out more visit www.becta.org.uk/nextgenerationlearningawards

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How adults like to learn outside work - new research from NIACE

Adults like to learn in different ways when they learn in their free time compared to when they learn at work. A new report from NIACE - How adults like to learn, published Monday 19th May 2008 for Adult Learners’ Week - reveals that reading books, manuals and magazines, and using the internet were all of greater influence outside work – a finding of significance whilst the Government’s major consultation on the role of informal learning in public life in England is in progress.

82 per cent of respondents to the NIACE Survey on Adult Participation in Learning 2008 found that undertaking a task on a regular basis was a helpful strategy for developing skills in the workplace, whilst this method proved useful to 60 per cent of learners outside of work.

There is a sharp difference between learning outside work for different socio-economic groups as well. Outside work for social class C2, courses were reported as the most helpful of all the options for learning gained through structured activities whilst only a minority of socio-economic group DE found any of the more formal routes to learning useful.

Preferred modes of learning outside work also vary with age: learning through courses and through trial and error are of particular importance to people in their thirties, for example, and the perceived helpfulness of all forms of learning declines as adults grow older.

Alan Tuckett, Director of NIACE, said:

“This study confirms the importance of informal modes of learning for adults outside work, where learners have more eclectic enthusiasms and diverse strategies for success. The findings highlight the importance and timeliness of the Government’s focus on informal learning policies, but also make clear that – for a majority of adults – learning through attendance at courses remains important”.

He concluded:

“This is a significant conclusion with respect to the informal learning consultation, suggesting that a blend of publicly-offered classes and less formal provision is the right mix for community-based learning”.

Source: NIACE Press Release: "How adults like to learn outside work - new research from NIACE" - [PDF] Released On 19/05/2008

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Podcasts for Adult Learners' Week

For too many adults reading, writing and maths can be difficult. But across the country millions of people are improving these skills. And many are doing it in the workplace. In a special Skills for Life podcast we hear from the winners of a 2008 Opening Doors to Adult Learners Award - Cityclean about the dramatic transformation learning at work has had on road sweepers and binmen in Brighton. But first we hear why the Government take Skills for Life so seriously.

Individual Regional Award Winner

Paul Lee from Oldham left school with one O'Level and became a bricklayer. But after 11 years he had to give up work. Going back to college has led to Paul securing a place at one of the top universities in the world. He spoke to NIACE Press Officer, Ed Melia about his remarkable learning journey. View Paul Lee's profile here - [PDF]

Regional Learning Works Award Winners

This year the Learning and Skills Council has sponsored the Regional Learning Works Awards as part of Adult Learners' Week. NIACE Press Officer Ed Melia spoke to 3 of the winners about how making the right decisions and showing true dedication to learning has given them a great deal of satisfaction and careers with a real future.

Sarah Arden, aged 21, from Wisbech, is on the verge of becoming a fully qualified Electrician. View Sarah Arden's profile here - [PDF]

Ermal Nasi, aged 25, from London, arrived in England from Albania 9 years ago, taught himself English and is training to be a Chartered Surveyor.  View Ermal Nasi's profile here -[PDF]

Tina Collings, aged 20, from Ellesmere Port, through 15 training courses has gone from Production Operative to Production Supervisor in just 4 years. View Tina Collings' Profile here - [PDF]

(If the podcasts do not start playing in your browser, right click and save them onto your computer and then play them back through your usual media player)

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Minority ethnic groups' participation in learning - analysis from NIACE

Latest analysis of data from the government’s Labour Force Survey (LFS) shows that black and minority ethnic adults and the larger white population participate overall in broadly similar proportions but highlights a dramatically lower level of participation in learning among adults of Pakistani and Bangladeshi origin.

The analysis - Are we closing the gap? to be published for Adult Learners’ Week on Monday 19th May 2008 – shows participation ranged from 38 per cent for Bangladeshi adults to 73 per cent for people describing themselves as being of Black African origin. The figure for the entire population was 62 per cent with dual heritage and Chinese respondents participating at 72 per cent and 66 per cent respectively.

For adults of working age the survey shows a seven per cent participation gap between white adults (71 per cent) and minority ethnic groups (64 per cent). However, the challenge is most striking among Bangladeshi and Pakistani adults running at 40 per cent and 50 per cent respectively. For women the rate is lower still – 34 per cent from Bangladeshi and 42 per cent from Pakistani communities. The report shows, too, that whilst there has been a welcome fall in the number of Bangladeshi adults with no qualifications - from 43 per cent in 2004 to 37 per cent in 2006 - the proportion of Bangladeshi learners taking taught classes has dropped from 66 per cent to 57 per cent over the same period.

Alan Tuckett, Director of NIACE:

“This report shows just how far we still have to travel if the benefits of learning are to be available equally to the full range of communities in the UK. Whilst it shows that participation is buoyant for minority ethnic communities there is significant under-representation among Bangladeshi and Pakistani adults in particular. These groups also include some of the people in greatest poverty. The report shows some narrowing of the participation and achievement gap for younger people. But the gap persists. There is clearly more to do to ensure that everyone gets an equal chance to benefit from and contribute to a learning society.”

Source: NIACE Press Release: "Minority ethnic groups' participation in learning - analysis from NIACE" - [PDF] Released On 16/05/2008

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Survey shows further fall in numbers of adults who learn

There has been a fall of 3 per cent in the number of adults participating in learning in the last year. This is the headline finding of the annual Adult Learners’ Week survey – Counting the cost - published on Wednesday 14th May 2008 by NIACE. The survey shows the proportion of adults currently learning, or having done so in the last 3 years, has fallen from 41% in 2007 to 38% in 2008.

The survey illustrates that the drop in participation has affected some groups disproportionately, notably:

There is also a sharp drop in the number of adults planning to take up learning in the future (45 per cent in 2006, 43 per cent in 2007 and 36 per cent in 2008) and surprisingly the fall is most dramatic among current learners (88 per cent to 72 per cent).

Alan Tuckett, Director of NIACE, said:

“This survey poses sharp challenges. Its major finding, that participation has fallen among key target groups for the government’s learning and skills strategy, calls into question the balance of current policy instruments. One goal of policy is to engage those who say they have done no learning since school, the findings that over two-thirds of them agree that learning and training can have a positive impact upon their working and family lives yet just 15 per cent plan to get involved shows the size of the task if the Government’s goals are to be realised.”

He continued:

“Despite the real gains of the Skills for Life and Train to Gain Strategies, the very groups identified as key to the achievement of the Skills Strategy and in the Leitch Review are bearing the heaviest burden of the re-balancing of funding. The findings suggest that the price of investment in key groups of adults in workplace learning is being paid for by reduced participation by other adults from exactly the same groups. This is either because other workplace learning opportunities are being offered to those already with higher skills, or because those adults can no longer access public provision they previously chose for themselves.”

He ended:

“Since the object of policy continues to be to secure increased investment by individuals, and employers; as well as the state, the survey suggests the time has come for Government to count the cost, as well as the benefits, of its current policies for adult learning.”

Source: NIACE Press Release: "Survey shows further fall in numbers of adults who learn" - [PDF] Released On 13/05/2008

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Technology and informal learning

The government consultation paper – ‘Informal Learning - shaping the future’ covers a broad spectrum of learning activities including:

structured and unstructured adult learning for enjoyment, personal fulfilment and intellectual, creative and physical stimulation.

Communications technology is given a high profile in the paper so Becta teamed up with NIACE to run a national seminar on the use of technology for informal learning.

This podcast captures some of the thoughts from participants as they emerged from the seminar.

For more information on the debate see the online seminar
(no need to register, just login as a guest.)

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Young Adult Carers Access to Education and Training

NIACE has received funding from the Elizabeth Nuffield Educational Fund to produce a policy briefing paper to raise awareness of the issues concerning access to education and training for young adult carers in the 16 – 25 age group. We are interested in exploring the educational issues faced by young adult carers as they approach and move beyond the age of 18 and how the transition from school to college or training is managed.

Research on caring by Dearden and Becker at Loughborough University (2000) found that young adult carers aged 16 – 25 were more likely to be: excluded from the labour market because of lack of qualifications; living in poverty and in receipt of benefits; finding it difficult to leave home; and experiencing the negative consequences associated with caring including emotional problems and restrictions on opportunities.

Consultation with young adult carers themselves and the organisations who support them will be key to the success of our research. We are particularly interested in hearing the experiences of:

We are also interested in finding out if there are particular, or different, issues affecting young female carers and young male carers in this age group.

If you are working with young adult carers, or young adults who may not self-identify as carers who experience particular issues in accessing or remaining in education and training, we would like to hear from you. We would be interested to learn more about the services available to young adult carers and to ensure the voices of young adult carers are represented throughout our project.

If you are interested in helping us with our research, or finding out more about the project, please contact Linda Dixon, Linda.Dixon@niace.org.uk, providing brief details of your provision, and any particular issues you feel should be explored as part of our research, together with your full contact details.

Many thanks for your support.

Linda Dixon, Project Officer, Young Adults Team.
Linda.Dixon@niace.org.uk

Free resources

We would also like to make you aware of a set of free resources (recently developed for Adult Learners’ Week) for organisations wishing to advocate the benefits of learning for carers:

We have some free sets of 6 postcard portraits that tell the story of individual carers and how they have accessed education and training and a free booklet entitled:

Carers: Access to education and training
Information for managers and practitioners working in the post-16 education and training sector.

If you are interested in receiving a set of resources please contact:

Clare Holland
Administrator, Young Adults Team
E-mail: clare.holland@niace.org.uk 
Tel: 0116 2047071

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Adult Learners' Week - a festival that could change your life

The largest festival of learning in the UK is on its way. Adult Learners’ Week - which runs from 17th – 23rd May 2008 and is organised by the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) – is a time when thousands of people consider a return to learning and begin a journey that can completely transform their lives for the better.

This is illustrated perfectly by the Adult Learners’ Week Award winners who are recognised for their remarkable achievements through learning. Their inspirational stories clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of learning as an adult. Some of this year’s awards will be presented to:

During last year’s Adult Learners’ Week over 8,000 learning events took place, attracting around 100,000 visitors and participants. Every year adults will get a taste of learning in colleges, shops and supermarkets, factories and businesses, libraries and museums, community and adult education centres.

Some events already organised for this year include, Medieval Martial Arts at Kenilworth Castle, singing, holiday languages, forensic science, Welding for Women, horse riding and family history alongside computers and digital photography, creative writing, architectural drawing, Monks’ Meals and What We Eat Now, taxidermy and improving your maths. The Army are also planning to hold a special event at their base at Basra Air Station in Iraq. Further details of the events on offer are available from the online calendar of events at: www.alw.org.uk/calendar

And this year sees the inaugural Dance Off 2008 with over 100 events due to take place across the country to celebrate Cultural Diversity Weekend. The dances range from ballroom, salsa, belly dance, Jewish wedding dance, American smooth style waltz to Latin cha cha, Argentine tango, rumba, samba and Kathak.

Rachel Thomson, Senior Campaigns Officer at NIACE, said:

“Adult Learners’ Week is the perfect time for you to see the kind of positive impact that learning can have on your life. The remarkable stories of the inspirational learners we celebrate with our awards illustrate just how learning can completely transform your life for the better.”

She ended, “Whatever you want out of life, learning can steer you in the direction you want it to go in. There will be thousands of events taking place across the country and to find out more about what’s on offer where you are during this year’s Adult Learners’ Week, visit our website www.alw.org.uk  or call learndirect free on 0800 100 900.”

Source: NIACE Press Release: "Adult Learners' Week - festival that could change your life" - [PDF] Released On 02/05/2008

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