Menu
02/09/2003
Adult learning report focuses on initial assessment
The first report from the Adult Learning Inspectorate for England has focused on the vital role of a good initial assessment of the requirements of adult learners.
The report from the government body responsible for raising the standards of education and training for young people and adults in England raises concerns about the “inadequate” initial assessments.
Despite the importance of the initial assessment the report demonstrates that in all areas - colleges, work based learning, prisons, adult and community learning, leardirect and provision funded by Jobcentre Plus - it is often inadequate. During an inspection of a learning provider, certain parameters at initial assessment were four times more likely to be identified as a “weakness” rather than as a “strength”.
Inspector Lesley Thom who helped produce the report said: "We hope that it will give everyone an opportunity to stand back and make judgements about which methods are, or are not, working. Good quality initial assessment is vital if learners are to achieve their goals. Without it the learner can become a rudderless ship. Some learners will achieve their goals but some may not."
The report noted that all adult learners have widely different backgrounds and educational needs. When a learner embarks on a course the initial assessment offers the opportunity to look back at what the learner has achieved in the past and forward to the learner's goals. It is all too easy for the learner to embark on a course of learning or training which is either too demanding, or repeats work that they have already done. Either way - the learner can become disillusioned and abandon the course – depriving themselves, their families, and the economy of vital skills.
This report, which aims to drive up standards by improving the understanding of the initial assessment and suggesting practical steps for improvement, contains examples of good and poor practice from across the whole of the learning and skills sector.
A seminar is being offered on the subject of initial assessment and the findings of the report. It will be at the ALI head office in Coventry on Friday 17 October.
Initial Assessment in Adult Learning is available on the ALI website at www.ali.gov.uk.
(SP)
The report from the government body responsible for raising the standards of education and training for young people and adults in England raises concerns about the “inadequate” initial assessments.
Despite the importance of the initial assessment the report demonstrates that in all areas - colleges, work based learning, prisons, adult and community learning, leardirect and provision funded by Jobcentre Plus - it is often inadequate. During an inspection of a learning provider, certain parameters at initial assessment were four times more likely to be identified as a “weakness” rather than as a “strength”.
Inspector Lesley Thom who helped produce the report said: "We hope that it will give everyone an opportunity to stand back and make judgements about which methods are, or are not, working. Good quality initial assessment is vital if learners are to achieve their goals. Without it the learner can become a rudderless ship. Some learners will achieve their goals but some may not."
The report noted that all adult learners have widely different backgrounds and educational needs. When a learner embarks on a course the initial assessment offers the opportunity to look back at what the learner has achieved in the past and forward to the learner's goals. It is all too easy for the learner to embark on a course of learning or training which is either too demanding, or repeats work that they have already done. Either way - the learner can become disillusioned and abandon the course – depriving themselves, their families, and the economy of vital skills.
This report, which aims to drive up standards by improving the understanding of the initial assessment and suggesting practical steps for improvement, contains examples of good and poor practice from across the whole of the learning and skills sector.
A seminar is being offered on the subject of initial assessment and the findings of the report. It will be at the ALI head office in Coventry on Friday 17 October.
Initial Assessment in Adult Learning is available on the ALI website at www.ali.gov.uk.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 August 2003
Grant scheme for adult learners launched
Thousands of young adults starting college courses this autumn could get a new weekly grant to help meet the costs of improving their qualifications, following the launch of the Adult Learning Grant pilot scheme.
Grant scheme for adult learners launched
Thousands of young adults starting college courses this autumn could get a new weekly grant to help meet the costs of improving their qualifications, following the launch of the Adult Learning Grant pilot scheme.
24 March 2009
NHS Disability Care 'Failures' Slammed In Report
Care for people with learning disabilities has come under fire after a report found the NHS and councils failed to provide appropriate health and social services care. The Health Service and Local Government Ombudsman ruled that one man died as a result of these failings and the death of a second man could have been avoided.
NHS Disability Care 'Failures' Slammed In Report
Care for people with learning disabilities has come under fire after a report found the NHS and councils failed to provide appropriate health and social services care. The Health Service and Local Government Ombudsman ruled that one man died as a result of these failings and the death of a second man could have been avoided.
24 May 2004
Public inquiry into Deepcut deaths ruled out
The government has ruled out a public inquiry into four deaths which occurred at the army's Deepcut Barracks training centre.
Public inquiry into Deepcut deaths ruled out
The government has ruled out a public inquiry into four deaths which occurred at the army's Deepcut Barracks training centre.
21 March 2005
Army recruits at risk from abuse
Army recruits are at high risk of bullying, harassment, self-harm and injury, an independent report has claimed. The report, conducted by the Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI) also found that there were high drop-out rates and said that training and welfare needed to be "better managed, better organised and better controlled".
Army recruits at risk from abuse
Army recruits are at high risk of bullying, harassment, self-harm and injury, an independent report has claimed. The report, conducted by the Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI) also found that there were high drop-out rates and said that training and welfare needed to be "better managed, better organised and better controlled".
18 July 2013
Govt Launch Employment Drive For Disabled People
A campaign has been launched to help people with disabilities get into the workplace. The initiative was launched at a disability employment conference in London today. It will include internships and training for young disabled people and a government-funded scheme for 16-to-24-year-olds who have complex learning difficulties and disabilities.
Govt Launch Employment Drive For Disabled People
A campaign has been launched to help people with disabilities get into the workplace. The initiative was launched at a disability employment conference in London today. It will include internships and training for young disabled people and a government-funded scheme for 16-to-24-year-olds who have complex learning difficulties and disabilities.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
