Participation in adult learning: system characteristics and individuals’ experiences

Boeren, E. , Cabus, S. and Mackie, A. (2023) Participation in adult learning: system characteristics and individuals’ experiences. In: Holford, J., Boyadjeva, P., Clancy, S., Hefler, G. and Studená, I. (eds.) Lifelong Learning, Young Adults and the Challenges of Disadvantage in Europe. Series: Palgrave studies in adult education and lifelong learning. Palgrave Macmillan: Cham, pp. 87-113. ISBN 9783031141089 (doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-14109-6_4)

Abstract

Research on participation and inequality in adult education and training shows ‘system characteristics’ play a key role in restricting access to young adults with low levels of education. This chapter focuses on what advantages an inclusive policy on lifelong learning has for society as a whole. Structural barriers mean that an opportunity (or desire) to participate is not equally distributed, yet some low-educated adults do participate. From them we can learn how barriers can be lowered. Initiatives under the EU’s Youth Guarantee and Upskilling Pathway programmes are analysed across nine countries, representing different welfare regimes and approaches to adult education. Learners’ and staff experiences are broadly similar across programmes and countries. Participants’ motivation and confidence are key to success, pointing to the need for individual support.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Additional Information: The project and the open access publication of this book were supported by the European Commission under its Horizon 2020 research programme (Grant No. 693989).
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Boeren, Professor Ellen
• Authors: Boeren, E., Cabus, S., and Mackie, A.
• Subjects: L Education > L Education (General); L Education > LF Individual institutions (Europe)
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Education
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
• ISBN: 9783031141089
• Published Online: 24 March 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Lifelong Learning, Young Adults and the Challenges of Disadvantage in Europe: 87-113
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License