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ERIC Number: ED617201
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 14
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Flexible Learning Pathways in British Higher Education. IIEP Country Note. No. 8
UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning
Social demand for higher education has more than doubled in the past 20 years. However, only one-third of all countries' higher education systems are enrolling more than 50% of the traditional age cohort. Despite major advancements in achieving higher levels of access and participation, inequalities and inequities in higher education persist and have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP) launched the "SDG 4 Planning for Flexible Learning Pathways in Higher Education" project in 2018 to support efforts to promote equity and lifelong learning opportunities for all by investing in flexible higher education systems. The project has identified policies and practices that support flexible learning pathways (FLPs) in higher education for a variety of students. The UNESCO definition of FLPs encompasses "entry points and re-entry points at all ages and all educational levels, strengthened links between formal and non-formal structures, and recognition, validation and accreditation of the knowledge, skills and competencies acquired through non-formal and informal education." In collaboration with IIEP-UNESCO, the researcher carried out an in-depth case study of policies and practices that support FLPs in the United Kingdom (UK). The researcher conducted interviews and focus group discussions with 42 respondents in autumn 2019 and spring 2020, representing four national-level, higher education institutions located in England. These consisted of two well-established universities (Birmingham and Exeter), one university with regional outreach (Teesside University), and the Open University. The interviews were complemented by a review of relevant national projects, legislative documents, national statistical databases, and institutional documents and data. This Country Note reflects key findings and conclusions of "Flexible Learning Pathways in British Higher Education: A Decentralized and Market-Based System. Report for the IIEP-UNESCO Research 'SDG 4: Planning for Flexible Learning Pathways in Higher Education'" (ED617200).
UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning. 7-9, rue Eugène Delacroix, 75116 Paris, France. Tel: +33-0-1-45-03-77-00; Fax: +33-00-1-40-72-83-66; e-mail: info@iiep.unesco.org; Web site: http://www.iiep.unesco.org/en
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) (France), International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP)
Identifiers - Location: United Kingdom; United Kingdom (England)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A