Reflections on policy in adult education and community learning (ACE), with special reference to 'Koia! Koia! Towards a Learning Society'

摘要

This paper undertakes a review of the report of the Adult Education and Community LearningWorking Party released by government in September 2001. It discusses a number of themesarising out of this report. However, the report is not seen in isolation, and the paper locates it in awider context. It identifies some of the difficulties faced by those involved in adult education andcommunity learning (ACE) and by the Working Party itself in trying to move forward after adecade or more of neglect by government. It also identifies some influences of the TertiaryEducation Advisory Commission. Themes discussed include the need to adopt a broadly basedstatement of purpose, to develop stronger links with other ‘sectors’, to make a stronger claim forincreased funding for ACE, to undertake further clarification of the contributions andrequirements of different organisations and institutions, and to undertake further research. Thepaper concludes with key recommendations.