Search results

A key aim of the UK educational system, particularly careers education and guidance, is to help young people make the best decisions about their educational career. Understanding how young people see these decisions underpins the capacity of the educational system to maximise the benefits to the individual and the economy. This research aims to provide such an understanding, along with a pragmatic, research-based model of the diversity of young people’s mindsets. Exploratory research was undertaken to develop a general segmentation by mindset of young people making decisions about educational options. The segmentation is designed to be useful across a wide range of Department for Education and Science (DfES) activities. Therefore, the work is focused on understanding young people’s decision-making at two critical decision points - at age 14, when young people choose options, and at age 16, when young people choose whether and in what way to continue in education or training. Eight segments were identified through analysis of the responses of participants. This provides an analytical framework for the further investigation of mindset differences. By identifying a series of mindset dimensions which underpin the segmentation, subsequent researchers are provided with the means to test, enhance or perhaps challenge that segmentation. Three main ways in which the segmentation might be used across DfES activities are proposed: (1) planning and evaluation of policy and ; (2) as a tool for innovation and creativity in relation to continuous improvement; and (3) using the workshop approach as the basis for lesson plans focusing on decision-making around subject and career choices.