Beyond rhetoric: adult learning policies and practices

This comparative report brings together the work of the OECD thematic review of adult learning undertaken between December 1999 and November 2001 to analyse policy options in different national contexts for improving access to, and participation in, adult learning and to enhance its quality and effectiveness. The report draws on the experiences of the nine participating OECD countries (Canada, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and England) to identify the successful elements of adult learning policy and practice. The report seeks to analyse the nature of, and reasons for, similarities and difference in policy approaches across the nine countries and to identify some of the possible implications for policy makers. Chapter two provides the definitions and framework for the review, the rationale for the focus on adult learning and a list of key issues to be addressed in subsequent chapters. Chapter three identifies patterns of participation in adult learning and assesses the needs and gaps in provision. Chapter four provides a summary of the general policies and priorities currently operating in adult learning in the nine countries. Chapter five analyses the barriers to participation and the various practices and incentives that can improve motivation for learning in the labour market and other areas. Chapter six looks at measures that can improve the quality of learning and outcomes through the use of appropriate pedagogy and modes of learning provision, teacher preparation and quality control. Chapter seven analyses policy options to address problems of disjointed provision of services and the weaknesses of delivery infrastructures. Chapter eight provides a general overview of findings, key elements and features of a desirable adult learning system.

Individual countries prepared descriptive background reports on the adult learning practices in their own countries. Reports available in English are indexed from TD/TNC 73.64 to TD/TNC 73.69 and at TD/TNC 62.795. Available analytical country notes, prepared by the OECD multinational review team and based on the background reports and discussions with national stakeholders, are indexed from TD/TNC 73.70 to TD/TNC 73.75.

This comparative report brings together the work of the OECD thematic review of adult learning undertaken between December 1999 and November 2001 to analyse policy options in different national contexts for improving access to, and participation in, adult learning and to enhance its quality and effectiveness. The report draws on the experiences of the nine participating OECD countries (Canada, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and England) to identify the successful elements of adult learning policy and practice. The report seeks to analyse the nature of, ...  [+] Show more