The wider benefits of further education: practitioner views

Abstract

This is the first paper in the WBL Research Report Series, and is the result of collaboration between the Centre for Research on the Wider Benefits of Learning and the Learning and Skills Development Agency (LSDA). It reports findings from a survey of lecturers' and managers' views about the effects of further education upon students' lives and their communities. Insights into the aspects of further education that lead to these wider benefits, and the groups of students who benefit in particular ways have important policy implications for further education. For example, lecturers and managers believe that diversity in provision and integration across provision are central in terms of individual, social, and community empowerment. More flexible curricula are needed to support a rich learning environment that will draw in the widest range of learners.