Differing visions of a Learning Society Vol 1: Research findings Volume 1(ESRC Learning Society series)

Lifelong learning has been an evidence-free zone for too long. It has been under-researched and under-theorised. This volume, the first of two, is the culmination of years of empirical work undertaken for the ESRC's Learning Society Programme, a major investment in lifelong learning research. It explores the ways lifelong learning can contribute to the development of knowledge and skills for employment, and other areas of adult life. In this first volume, the contributors address the challenges to social science researchers to study issues that are central and directly relevant to the political and policy debate, and to take into account the reality of people's lives. Each chapter gives an overview of one project, describing its objectives, methods, main findings and policy implications. Some of the main themes explored include the education market post-16, key skills in Higher Education, adult guidance services, and how knowledge can be developed at work. In the introduction, these topics are placed by the editor within the broad context of research and policy on different types of learning societies and lifelong learning. The evidence provided shows what policies are or are not working and provides the basis for structural reform. Some of the conclusions arrived at by the projects challenge fundamental assumptions of current policy. The contributions demonstrate the value of independent, critical research in an area which is awash with unsubstantiated generalities, armchair musings and banalities without bite. Differing visions of a Learning Society contributes to the public debate on lifelong learning, and is essential reading for politicians, policy makers, practitioners, academics and researchers concerned in any way with lifelong learning.

Table of Contents:
Introduction: a critical analysis of the concept of a learning society Frank Coffield; 'Worlds apart' - education markets in the post-16 sector of one urban locale 1995-98 Stephen J. Ball, Meg Maguire and Sheila Macrae; Unifying academic and vocational learning in England, Wales and Scotland Ken Spours, Michael Young, Cathy Howieson and David Raffe; Skill development in higher education and employment Elisabeth Dunne, Neville Bennett and Clive Carré; The variable contribution of guidance services in different types of learning societies Will Bartlett and Teresa Rees; Changing patterns of training provision in the National Health Service: an overview Jenny Hewison, Therese Dowswell and Bobbie Millar; Working and learning in Britain and Germany: findings of a regional study Phil Cooke, Antje Cockrill, Peter Scott, John Fitz and Brian Davies; Development of knowledge and skills at work Michael Eraut, Jane Alderton, Gerald Cole and Peter Senker.

About the Author :
Frank Coffield was Director of the ESRC’s research programme into The Learning Society from 1994 to 2000.

Review :
"Volumes 1 & 2 are 'timely, important and definitely to be recommended'. They are invaluable reading for anyone with an interest in current educational and economic policy-making and the enduring social problems that policy-makers will continue to face long after the notion of the 'learning society' has faded from collective memory." British Educational Research "Volumes 1 & 2 are a most valuable resource, both for those who are already specialists in the field, as well as for a much wider readership." British Journal of Educational Studies In Differing visions of a Learning Society, Frank Coffield and his collaborators in the ESRC Learning Society programme reveal the tensions at the heart of lifelong learning policy development from a range of different starting points. Read it. "... should be read by all social scientists." British Sociological Assocation Network magazine