The literature on educational choices and participation has tended to focus on youth and to some extent on older adults, with little attention to the group in between. This paper therefore analyses participation in various types of learning by people in their 30s and 40s. This group are often juggling career and family life commitments meaning…

This paper investigates why people return to study in their 30s and beyond and upgrade to a higher level qualifications. Some previous research has argued that attitudes formed in childhood, via family background and schooling, continue to shape a person's engagement in learning throughout the adult lifecourse. Psychologists distinguish extrinsic…

The importance of people gaining new, and high-level, qualifications in adulthood has been much emphasised in policy rhetoric. It is widely assumed that adults should engage in learning throughout their working life in order to adapt to changing conditions in the labour market and to ensure that national economies remain competitive in a global…

Derek Legge, who celebrated his 95th birthday at the end of last month, is one of the most dedicated and influential of the largely unsung heroes of the adult education movement in Britain. As modesty is one of the many qualities with which his friends and colleagues credit him, he is certain to shrink from the description, but there is little…

Purpose: The purpose of this case study is to describe the design and delivery of a leadership programme for a diverse group of clinicians and middle managers within a British mental health organisation. Design/methodology/approach: This paper shows how the course was co-designed between managers, clinicians and higher education, specifically to…

Provides the text of the Howard Davis Memorial Lecture, which was presented to the Knowledge Utilization Society in 1991. The lecture describes the work of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, which was active in Great Britain the nineteenth century and compares it with current practices in the field of knowledge utilization. (12…

In this article, the author sets out something of the vision in the Government consultation paper, "Delivering World Class Skills in a Demand-led System," and looks at how this is likely to play out for adult learners. The contention of Leitch is that there is a supply-led system in education and training. The Government has planned…

In a misplaced rush for economic prosperity through vocational training, adults are in danger of elbowing aside their potential as learning and civic communities. In this article, the author argues that a skills strategy must be integrated within a broader learning-for-life vision which ranges over every aspect of learning in health, in social…

A study of 168 small British manufacturing firms showed that, as they moved from single- to double-loop learning, they adopt more formalized organizational learning methods, such as systems for the management and dissemination of knowledge across the work force. (SK)

Britain remains well and truly in the slow lane when it comes to learning languages--despite the repeated commitment of politicians to reversing this historical trend. But, as the author proves, even the least able linguist can learn the few words of a foreign language which can make all the difference when traveling abroad. In its recent briefing…

This booklet presents guidelines regarding the selection, training, qualifications, and tasks of industrial instructors. The appendix briefly deals with learning processes including the sensory bases of learning, learning theory, instructional methods, stages of training, and instruction principles. (DM)

An outline of the general scope and purpose of the BBC Further Education Department, Its organization and administration. Emphasis is on the innovative role of educational broadcasting and planning for change and development. Three broad areas of further education are distinguished: programs for institutions and learning groups; courses for…

Discusses the distinction between education and learning and their relationship to active citizenship. Addresses the role of universities and adult education in providing a second chance for second class citizens. (SK)

Reviews various proposals of the Economics Association (Great Britain) which address the need for improved economic understanding among adults. Discusses adult motivations, barriers to learning, learning methods, and sources of economic understanding. Recommends further research, pilot projects, and other means of promoting adult economic…

Describes a recent community education pilot scheme organized by Islington Adult Education Institute in North London. Also discusses the process of learning in adults, economic factors affecting a neighborhood, criticisms of community work, the "process" view of learning, and the challenge for adult educators. (CT)