What we do

Practice context

Voluntary sector organisations provide non-formal, informal and formal learning opportunities for learners.

Informal

Opportunities for people to come together in community and learn from each other informally.  Informal learning extends everywhere; into the family and workplace and occurring through individual activities such as reading and using the internet.

Non-formal

Non- accredited learner focused learning opportunities.  These will be delivered through structured learning programmes with clear learning intentions and outcomes.

Examples would be: adult literacies classes or a confidence building programme

Formal

Learning opportunities leading to formal qualifications delivered through structured learning programmes with clear learning intentions and outcomes.

Examples would be: SVQ courses in IT, Advice and Guidance, Degree course in Community Education and Community Development

Adult learning in the voluntary sector:

  • Is learner centred and starts with an understanding of a learner's needs
  • builds on how a learner learns and recognises a variety of approaches to learning
  • is guided by clear learning intentions or outcomes
  • places dialogue at the centre of the learning process
  • is underpinned by a social practice model
  • addresses additional support needs
  • is reflective and strengthened by self-evaluation

Our annual data collection with members provides us with information on their services and organisation's performance.

Our members deliver adult education using a variety of methods, approaches and styles to effect change.  The range of adult education provision includes:

  • Adult Literacies - literacy and numeracy, ICT and problem solving
  • Core and soft skills - including confidence building, personal development
  • Employment advice and training, support and guidance, vocational and pre-vocational training
  • Citizenship programmes
  • Capacity building, ESOL, health and development education

Click here to access the Membership Review 2010.

Learning Link Scotland develops programmes of work that support our learning community's practice. Click on the projects below to keep up to date with our practice development work: