Study of Sussex Learning Network students

30 Jul 2008

The ‘SLN learner’ is defined as one who is either living, working or studying in Sussex, looking to progress into or through vocational higher education, and who has been supported by the SLN to do so.

This report will form part of the SLN's overall evaluation. Its aim is to provide evidence of the SLN’s effectiveness in reaching its target audience, and assess the impact of learning on the experience and plans of higher education students on a range of vocational courses. The report includes analysis of data relating to the learners enrolled on places provided via the SLN, as well as the results of a series of in depth interviews and focus groups.  

The report addresses the following issues:

1. The background and profile of the SLN student, including a breakdown of age, gender, residence, ethnicity, and highest qualification on entry to higher education. This section also addresses whether students are in employment, and if so whether their work is directly related to their course; whether they are studying full or part-time, and whether they have any family or caring responsibilities.
2. The factors that influenced the SLN student’s choice to study, and their choice of what to study, at higher education. This includes an exploration of what resources students accessed to support them with their decision, and who they spoke to during their decision making process. It also looks at the student’s motivation to progress to higher education, and to study their chosen subject.
3. The on-course experience of the SLN student, including how the course content and mode of study meet their expectations, and how their experience on the course is shaping their future plans.
4. The future study and / or career aspirations of the SLN student and the factors that are influencing their plans at this specific stage in their studies.
   
   Download the  full report, or the  executive summary.