Evaluation of adult basic skills Pathfinder Extension activities: stage 1 surveys of learners and teachers

This document reports on Stage 1 of the extensive evaluation of the adult basic skills Pathfinder Extension program which was launched in September 2001. It provides descriptive findings on the progress of the program, surveying learners, learners in prisons and teachers. Interviews were conducted with learners in Pathfinder programs as well as a comparison group of learners on traditional basic skills courses and this information was confined to providing descriptive information which was of interest from a policy viewpoint. The survey of learners in prisons covered all Pathfinder courses and was conducted in seven prison establishments. A postal questionnaire was sent to all teachers known to have taught Pathfinder courses with a view to obtaining their experiences concerning the courses they taught. The surveys found that the great majority of learners wanted courses that would lead to a qualification. Their responses to course content, teaching methods and relationships with teachers and other participants were all very positive. Teachers found courses an enriching professional experience and believed that learner motivations and outcomes were being positively affected. One challenge identified by the evaluation concerned barriers to access such as child care difficulties and working hours conflicting with course times.

There are three accompanying reports on the evaluation of the Pathfinder Extension program: the report of Stage 2 of the evaluation is indexed at TD/TNC 75.223; an overview of the evaluation is indexed at TD/TNC 75.221; and the final report of the evaluation is indexed at TD/TNC 75.224. Show less