The Learning from the Pilot of Explaining the Difference
In this section of the Pack we describe the learning that took
place in our pilot of Explaining the Difference. Parts 1 and 2
complement each other; allowing users of the Pack to learn about
the process and model in Part 1 and see concrete examples of the
models and tools developed by the Action Learning Group in Part
2.
The Pilot ETD Model
The logic model was produced by the pilot EtD to show the outcomes
and impact of the work of the voluntary adult education sector,
with a particular focus on the impact on learners.
Key points from the model:
The voluntary adult education sector is part of a broader picture of provision, but targets groups who find it harder to access mainstream education or to cross educational and life transitions.
Once people enter education or learning,
they work towards outcomes of gaining skills
and knowledge, gaining confidence and motivation, putting
skills into practice leading
onto improvements in people's life and employment
prospects.
However, before people even set foot in a classroom, they might need encouragement and support to take up learning opportunities. The EtD Group called this "pre-learning activity". We recognise that some people need extra support and encouragement because of actual and perceived barriers to learning and that this support has
to be flexible and holistic. As a result
• Learning opportunities are person centred and life relevant, filling gaps in current provision
• Ongoing support is given to overcome barriers (e.g. provision of childcare)
This support and encouragement continues
even after people have started more formal
learning. This is so they can "learn how to learn" and gain
the confidence and motivation
to take learning further alongside achieving learning
outcomes.
In some cases learning is specifically used as a way to bridge social isolation and integrate people into their communities. In any case it enables people to feel more connected to others.
Other factors that distinguish the voluntary adult education sector include:
• The use of volunteers and encouraging learners to become volunteers themselves
• The role voluntary adult learning providers play in identifying the learning needs of disadvantaged groups and ways that others can improve their policy or provision.