This book looks at the issues facing teachers and trainers currently working in the field of post compulsory education including questions of vocationalism, managerialism, professionalism, accountability, and educational research. Although aimed in part at raising awareness of such issues and the contrasting views which might be held it is intended that readers will use the book to develop an active engagement with these issues. This may be achieved through reflection and evaluation within their own professional context but also through embarking on their own research projects. The book is split into three sections. The first section deals with issues raised by locating post compulsory education within a wider social, political and economic context. The second section looks at issues raised by considering post compulsory education in its organizational context. The third section looks at methodological issues connected with conducting research in post compulsory settings. The format for each section includes overviews with self-assessment exercises, followed by different authors pursuing particular lines of inquiry, finishing with suggestions for ways in which readers might engage in debate and research.

With an emphasis on developing higher-order learning skills, such as reflection, critical evaluation and action research, this book provides a comprehensive guide to contemporary and contextual issues within post-compulsory education. This book: * Helps students fulfill Qualified Teacher in Further Education (QTFE) criteria * Provides information and advice on provision for the 14-19 sector * Is structured specifically around the FENTO values * Includes mind-maps charting links to FENTO standards * Provides help with assignments through reflective questions and discussion points

Both nationally and internationally there is a drive to increase participation in post-compulsory education. Yet with existing participation rates already high by historical standards, it is not easy to see how this can be done. Now Liz Thomas provides a comprehensive guide. From an analysis of the motives for expansion and the reasons why students enroll--or fail to enroll--through to a critical analysis of existing and innovative schemes, the author highlights good practice and explains ways to develop a strategic approach to widening participation.

The editors provide an illuminating commentary to eleven key articles covering the main issues affecting the post-compulsory education sector today. Contributions include an analysis of what influences students to drop out from their learning programmes, how the participation of hard-to-reach learners can be widened, how adults with basic skills can be encouraged to learn, and how research can help make sense of the 'muddle' of middle management in Further Education colleges. Book jacket.

Leadership of different kinds exists at many levels in the post-compulsory sector-from principles to programme leaders, administrative staff and even caretakers. Based around case studies of current leaders in post-compulsory education, this unique book explores a number of leadership models and styles in order to provide inspiration and guidance for the next wave of potential leaders. * Captures authentic "voices of the leaders" * Includes examples of further, adult, community and prison education * Covers all type of leadership: charismatic leaders, academic leaders, spiritual leaders, women leaders, ethnic leaders, ethnic leaders, business leaders Presenting a wide and holistic view of leadership at different levels, this book is relevant for all potential and current leaders in post-compulsory education. By encouraging readers to review and reflect on the models described, the book will inspire leaders of the future to develop their own leadership styles and visions.

What does ‘professionalism’ mean for teachers and trainers in further education colleges or adult education centres? Over the last twenty years, ideas about professionalism and professional identity within the post-compulsory sector have been shaped and reshaped by successive policies, standards, and professional bodies. Yet, these ideas themselves remain controversial and continue to be the focus of debate as well as research. This book gathers together a series of articles published over the last ten years, providing critical and research-based perspectives on professionalism within post-compulsory education and training. The twelve chapters that are presented here explore issues such as professional standards and continuing professional development and their impact on current definitions and frameworks of professionalism, as well as the policies that have shaped these processes. These are issues that are of relevance and importance not only to practitioners and researchers in the post-compulsory sector, but to anyone who is concerned with contemporary debates about what it means to be ‘a professional’ in education and training. The chapters in this book were originally published as articles in Research in Post-Compulsory Education.

'Making Learning Happen' offers a practical discussion of teaching and learning for the post-compulsory sector of higher and further education.