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La Valle and Finch 1999
Citation Text:
La Valle, I. and Finch, S. (1999) Pathways in Adult Learning Survey. Research Brief 137. London: DfEEEditorial Comment:
Focus of study
PALS was based on interviews with 1,000 of the 5,000 adults who had participated in NALS. PALs was concerned with recording the learning experiences of interviewees over 18 months. Findings were linked to NALS, resulting in data about learning over a four and a half year period.
Key findings
Lack of knowledge about local learning opportunities continued to be a deterrent to participation for some, with18% of long term non-learners (those who had done no learning in the previous four and a half years) reporting this as an obstacle.
Individuals who may potentially have the most to gain from learning and be most able to increase their contribution to society are also those least likely to participate. According to the PAL survey the majority of those who take up learning do so for job or employment-related reasons. Long term non-learners were more likely to lack qualifications - 66% of those without academic qualifications had participated as compared with all of those qualified at degree level. Participation levels were much higher among people in full-time paid work (92%) than those who were not in paid work (47%), and amongst professional and managerial occupations (94%) than manual workers (77%).
Additional comments
Like NALs, this survey was designed to identify issues around participation in learning specifically, rather than guidance. However, findings suggest that improved guidance provision might contribute to greater participation in learning which may lead to associated economic benefits.