Attracting New Learners: A Literature Review

This report provides a review of the United Kingdom (UK) and international literature about initiatives to stimulate demand for post-16 learning. Chapter 1 introduces sources and method. Chapter 2 outlines the current pattern of participation in learning activity in the UK and identifies the main barriers impeding further involvement. Chapters 3-5 describe a range of initiatives aimed at stimulating demand for learning across the world. Initiatives have been categorized into three broad types. Chapter 3 considers initiatives stimulating mass demand through widespread publicity, provision of advice and guidance or funding, and making the provision of learning more flexible. Chapter 4 examines initiatives stimulating demand for learning among targeted groups of individuals (including young people and women, and people with particular skill deficits) and communities (particularly those in rural or inner city areas). Chapter 5 addresses initiatives stimulating demand among employees and for work-related learning. Chapter 6 draws conclusions. Appendixes include a list of initiatives cited in the review and a 54-item bibliography. (YLB)