Publication Summary
A study in South Wales developed the insights provided by previous research into further education and job training by exploring the ways in which the determinants of participation in lifetime learning vary systematically over time and from locality to locality. In addition, the study looked at empirical patterns of participation in lifetime learning through the concept of "trajectories." Data were gathered through a questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews with 1,104 families in South Wales, as well as through examination of educational information from the institutions in the area. The study found these five lifelong learning trajectories: non-participant, transitional, delayed, lifetime, and immature. The full model of lifetime learning trajectories includes more than 40 independent variables that can be summarized in these five broad tactors: time, place, gender, family, and initial schooling. The study found that the pattern of trajectories has changed over time, with lifelong learning and transitional learning increasing and apprenticeship decreasing. In addition, findings indicated that early success or failure at school lays the foundation for learner identity and participation in further education. The study concluded that additional research is needed to improve understanding of the processes of lifetime learning and motivation. (Contains 20 references.) (KC) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Once of Educational Research and Improvement ED ED CATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it. Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality. TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy. LEARNING TRAJECTORIES: ANALYSING THE DETERMINANTS OF WORKPLACE LEARNING Stephen Gorard, Gareth Rees and Ralph Fevre Cardiff University School of Social Sciences Paper for presentation at ESRC Seminar Series: Working to Learn Seminar One: Can the Learning Age Deliver? Barriers to Access and Progression in Lifelong Learning 24th. June 1999, University of Surrey
CAER Authors

Prof. Stephen Gorard
University of Durham - Professor in the School of Education