Adults prefer to learn at home, in the workplace or local library than at college or university, Government-backed research for Adult Learners’ Week shows, writes Ian Nash.
Four out of 10 adults surveyed by MORI said the current stress on qualifications turned them off learning. Asked where they preferred to learn, 57 per cent said at home, 43 per cent work and 36 per cent libraries. Only 29 per cent favoured college or university.
Three-quarters said that at school they were unhappy and alienated from studying. The survey also shows that one in four adults who intends to learn gives up the idea before even starting.
The research commissioned by the Campaign for Learning - sponsors include The TES, RSA, CBI and BT - will be analysed in The TES next week. It has major implcations for Government and policy-makers as more than 80 per cent of adults said lifelong learning for all would be more important in the next millennium. They would “sign up” if courses were attractive enough.
The survey suggests that in the right environment adults will opt to study. Nine out of 10 thought it was an important chance to “better oneself”.
Learning at work, page 35
