Research on adult and community education in NSW: an overview

This publication provides an overview of three research study projects.

Study 1: Economic perspectives on [adult and community education] ACE. The first project had two distinct parts. The first surveyed the financial conditions of [New South Wales] NSW ACE providers in 2005. The second part of the study was a cost-benefit analysis of ACE courses. Together with financial data, this analysis is an important perspective on the viability of providers that may inform discussion about the allocation of grants for ACE in NSW.

Study 2: Adaptive ACE organisations: responding to uncertainty. This research recognises that virtually since the inception of the community ownership model in the 1990s, ACE organisations have been continually challenged to adapt to new policy and new market conditions. It was felt that what has been learned about adaptability can be codified and shared, and assist in strengthening the capacity of organisations.

Study 3: Market segmentation in ACE. The Market Segmentation Project explored the application of the National Marketing Strategy framework as a basis for differentiating client groups in ACE - to what extent providers might be targeting clients beyond the passionate learners and the learn-to-earn group that populate many ACE classes. These groups are defined by the barriers to their participation in learning (the almost-there, learning-is-on-hold and make-it-easier groups).

The three research reports offer much to inform both policy and practice. They will be a valuable resource for ACE organisations as they seek to manage an increasingly fluid and uncertain environment. It is clear that in the new environment there will be both new opportunities and resource challenges for NSW ACE providers, as they develop towards greater independence.

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