Outreach to encourage adult participation in education is a complex and exacting process that has different meanings to various stakeholders. Outreach requires decisions about resources and scope and reexamination of funding methods and priorities. (SK)

A British study of nonparticipation in adult education focused on four stages: initial access, program practices, transition from introductory to advanced learning, and transition from informal to formal education. It was concluded that genuine access for underrepresented groups requires substantial changes in practice and resource allocation. (SK)

An investigation of the reasons for male nonparticipation in education and training in Britain was based on findings of existing research, surveys of male participants and nonparticipants and the views and observations of practitioners. Although men participate in slightly greater numbers than women, they are significantly underrepresented in all…

Research from the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe explored the concept of motivation in relation to education and training schemes for the unemployed. Studies suggest that lack of motivation can be explained by socioeconomic status, recent training experience, lack of perceived links between training and jobs or career progression, and…

This document describes a study designed to identify: (1) typologies of nonparticipants in adult educational activities; (2) the attitudes, perceptions, and learning requirements of such groups and the factors that inhibit their participation; (3) effective methods of recruiting nonparticipants; (4) appropriate initial learning opportunities and…

This guide explains how outreach workers of adult, further, and higher education institutions across the United Kingdom can make their outreach activities more effective at widening participation. The following topics are discussed: (1) the need to encourage all groups to participate in learning; (2) the role of outreach in attracting new and…

Routes of progression from formal to informal learning in community settings in Great Britain were examined in a study that included three research strands: literature review; consultation with relevant agencies and individuals; and visits to nine informal learning environments and organizations providing informal learning in the community. The…

Participation in adult learning in the United Kingdom in 1996-2001 was analyzed by reviewing practitioners' views, the findings of national surveys conducted by the National Institute for Adult Continuing Education, and the findings from other surveys and research conducted over the past decade. The key conclusions analysis established that the…