Dear Gemmers
Here is the latest of NIACE’s “The Impact of Adult Learning” publications. This series is designed to be accessible rather than a weighty research tome.
Gemmers who are interested in developing programmes/services for adults will find this interesting.
Cheers
E
(and thanks, by the way, to Gemmers who have made a donation to my bike ride. You know who you are…)
Researching
Learning Cultures and Educational Identities in Communities
The Impact of Adult Learning
Carrie Birch
June 2013
£9.95
ISBNs:
9781862016453 (Print); 9781862016460 (PDF);
9781862016477 (ePub);
9781862016484 (Kindle);
9781862016491 (Online)
Further details at:
http://shop.niace.org.uk/learning-cultures-and-educational-identities.html
Short link:
http://bit.ly/13PV3eO
News Story:
http://www.niace.org.uk/news/researching-learning-cultures-in-communities-new-book-from-niace?src=fp2nd
Short link:
http://bit.ly/14McFqJ
This is a book about connections between social and educational inequalities in the UK. It draws on empirical research into how these inequalities impact on lives, particularly
those of adults who, having left school with few or no qualifications, are likely to suffer social exclusion. Through life histories, the research explores early educational experiences and their effect on identities in adult life, perspectives on learning,
and the impact of learning cultures. A long-standing concern of adult lifelong learning stakeholders is explored: why mainstream provision apparently does not always succeed in re-engaging and retaining adults who left school without qualifications and who
live in communities suffering social exclusion, a flawed term in social policy, not least because it implies and reinforces a sense of ‘them and us’ division in society.
The research is significant because findings challenge current assumptions about perspectives of learning, framed by the real-life experiences of people excluded from adult learning and its benefits. Moreover, the book adds to
the research about adult lifelong learning in ways that may bring a more informed view of this ‘problem’.
This text will be invaluable to adult learning policy-makers, practitioners, researchers, students and regeneration managers and agencies who are interested in work to:
·
maximise access to learning and opportunities for improvement
·
promote social renewal in communities through enjoyment of learning
·
maximise the positive impact of learning on social and economic wellbeing
The book’s author, Carrie Birch, said:
“Mainstream programmes of lifelong learning are expected to engage adults who left school without qualifications. However, some adult learning programmes do not always succeed in attracting
socially-excluded adults. In fact, current policy, practice and research may serve to increase the exclusion of some adults who are already marginalised by reason of their early experiences of compulsory formal education.
“This book is able to draw on unique data to illuminate the social impact
of adult lifelong learning from the perspective of residents within communities. Practitioners constantly search to explore ways of improving access to learning for under-represented groups and to retain learners. By considering this research and its implications
for practice, it may help to further develop their understanding of these groups and the implications for their practice.”
The Impact of Adult Learning is a series of accessible books for practitioners, policy makers and researchers alike. The books share specific research methodologies and theoretical concepts
of adult learning, demonstrating impact through evidence and practical applications.
The National Institute of Adult Continuing Education, England and Wales (NIACE). A company limited by guarantee registered no. 2603322 and registered charity no. 1002775, Registered address: 21, De Montfort Street, Leicester, LE1 7GE, UK www.niace.org.uk
Sefydliad Cenedlaethol Addysg Barhaus i Oedolion, Lloegr a Cymru (NIACE). Cwmni cyfyngedig drwy warant rhif cofrestredig 2603322 ac elusen rhif cofrestredig 1002775, Cyfeiriad cofrestredig: 21, De Montfort Street, Caerlŷr, LE1 7GE, DU www.niacedc.org.uk