'Learning Outcomes' project
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Between March and August 2001, NIACE undertook an enquiry into learners’ perspectives on a range of current systems for identifying, recording and validating achievement in non-accredited learning.
The aims of the research were:
 | to explore learners’ perceptions of the effectiveness of different approaches to identifying gain from non-accredited learning. |
| to identify what learners require from such approaches and in particular, the value they place on those they have experienced. |
| to make an evidence-based contribution to policy development and quality assurance in the area of non-accredited learning. |
The rationale was that learners’ requirements of such approaches might well be different to those of other stakeholders, for example those who deliver adult learning, those who manage it and those who fund it. In the current policy context this is more than academic curiosity. The key documents outlining the priorities, funding methodology and quality assurance arrangements for the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) all emphasise the centrality of learners. For example, the guidelines on Self- Assessment and Development Plans maintain that:
‘The new arrangements have been designed to ensure that the interests of the learner come first and are of paramount importance.’
It is essential that the design of these developing processes, indicators and standards should recognise those aspects of learning that learners identify as being both in their interests and of interest to them. Without this, any system to fund, inspect or manage achievement will be significantly poorer and at risk of failure. The commissioning of this research by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) was a welcome recognition of this principle and also of the paucity of evidence to support a proper understanding of learners’ perspectives on emergent systems.
The context for this research includes a significant body of material addressing the principles and practicalities of identifying achievement in non-accredited learning. In particular, it complements a recent case study based examination of various current systems by the Learning and Skills Development Agency (LSDA).
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Briefing Sheet
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More information about the Learning Outcomes project, including methodology and key findings is available in the form of a briefing sheet entitled:
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The Final Report
The Final Report of this project entitled:
and published in November 2001, can be downloaded as a PDF using the links below. (You can download the report as one long file or you can download each chapter separately.)
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Acrobat Reader which can be downloaded FREE of charge. For visually
impaired people, also download Adobe
Acrobat Access.
