National Adult Learning Survey, 2002

In 1997 the former Department for Education and Employment (DfEE) commissioned the first National Adult Learning Survey (NALS 1997), which explored participation in a wide range of learning activities. This was a baseline study followed by repeat surveys in 2000, 2001 and 2002. The NALS series is used by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) to monitor the effectiveness of their adult learning policies and progress in meeting the National Learning Target for adult participation, which aims to reduce the proportion of non-learners found in 1997 by seven per cent, that is, to reduce this group from 26 to 24 per cent by 2002. The survey involves interviewing up to two adults in a household to ask about any learning they have been involved in over the previous three years. A fairly broad definition of learning is used, covering informal and leisure learning as well as courses leading to qualifications. Both taught and self-directed learning are covered by the survey. Information about educational qualifications as well as standard demographic information are also collected.<br>
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The first survey in the series, NALS 1997 is held at the UK Data Archive under SN:3815, and was conducted by the National Centre for Social Research under its former name, Social and Community Planning Research (SCPR). The second survey, NALS 2000, conducted by Ipsos-RSL, is held under SN:4578. The third survey, NALS 2002, conducted by the National Centre for Social Research is held under SN:4455.<br>