This paper examines inequalities in attainment in vocabulary and mathematics at age 16 for a nationally representative cohort of people born in Britain in 1970 (the 1970 British Cohort Study). Our analytical sample is n = 3,583 cohort members who completed vocabulary and mathematics tests at age 16. We explore whether inequalities as a result of…

Beginning with the premise that pleasure is a driving force in life, this article examines the relationships between pleasure, schooling and society across the past century. Through the examination of school texts, narratives, and histories of literacy instruction, a case is made that part of the move away from keeping pleasure at the heart of…

Presents the results of a survey on the reading habits of elementary and secondary school students in Britain and analyzes the reading materials according to category and age level. (RB)

Reports on a study using data from 13,395 young people to investigate displacement of book reading by television viewing. Found no general displacement of time from one activity to another. (ARH)

In February 1990, the largest national sample survey of adult participation in learning ever undertaken in Great Britain was conducted. Interviews were conducted with 4,608 people aged 17 and over in England, Wales, and Scotland. The research was designed to provide comparable information to the largest previous study, which was carried out 10…

This pack of materials is a tool to help older people who have had few or negative past learning experiences begin to value themselves and what they have to offer. The activities, aimed at promoting confidence, participation, new interests, and friendships, are intended for self-organized groups with no professional experience--part of Better…

This learning pack, which was developed in Britain primarily for use with small groups of older adults who have had little formal education, contains nine self-contained units of learning activities dealing with topics related to older adults' everyday lives. The following topics are covered: techniques for organizing and running a group; myths…