1. Adult Education Survey : recommendations of the TF AES
ETS WG, January 2004
Agenda Item 8
document ETS08.01

2. Objective: ESS coverage of lifelong learning
Sources
Initial education and training
Adult (continuing) education and learning
Institutions
UOE
CVTS
Adult individuals -
AES
Education and Training Statistics WG, January 2004

3. TF AES - tasks Define the objectives of the survey (policy request)
Define the general frame of the survey (survey subject and scope and positioning in the European System of Social Surveys)
Task 3 (lead: Germany)
Evaluation of existing classifications, standards etc and advice on the development of new ones if necessary
Task 4 (lead: Finland)
Survey Description
Task 5
Legal basis for the AES
Education and Training Statistics WG, January 2004

4. Ogranisation of the TF work
Members
Selection of countries by Eurostat on the basis of criteria
Voluntary participation (Eurostat is grateful to the participants of the TF)
Co-ordination tools
Organising framework for the work of the TF AES
Discussion Grid
Glossary
Circa site
Education and Training Statistics WG, January 2004

5. Education and Training Statistics WG, 22-23 January 2004
Parallel work
The Task 3 Group is steering a project that has been launched by Eurostat on the development of a classification of learning activities (see also document 2004-ETS-08.02).
Statistics Sweden has also conducted a survey of national adult education surveys based on a questionnaire, as part of Task 4.
Education and Training Statistics WG, January 2004

6. Survey specifications
Reference period : past 12 months
Target group :
25-64-year olds not in institutions
Students in initial education should not be excluded from the target population. Recommended reference period is 12 months.
Interviews
Face to face
No proxy
Education and Training Statistics WG, January 2004

7. Survey specifications
Sampling
A stratified sample of individuals is recommended, at least by gender and age.
Calculation of sample sizes should be based on precision requirements, presumed participation and non-response rates (by gender and age).
Common (informatics) framework at the EU level
outline questionnaire (modular structure)
survey guidelines and
editing rules
Education and Training Statistics WG, January 2004

8. Education and Training Statistics WG, 22-23 January 2004
Groups of learners
The survey should identify 4 different groups of learners in order to describe patterns of learning:
(a) Non learners
(b) Learners only in formal or non-formal education
(c) Learners in formal or non-formal education combined with informal learning and
(d) Learners only in informal learning activities.
Education and Training Statistics WG, January 2004

9. Contents - Backgroung elements
Include:
Usage of computer skills – Information on incidence, frequency and purpose (for studies, work or leisure) should be collected. Follow Eurostat ICT household questionnaire.
Usage of foreign language skills – Incidence for different languages, frequency for different languages and social context for different languages (at home, at work and so on)
Cultural participation (incidence) (selection form the LEG Culture list)
Education and Training Statistics WG, January 2004

10. Contents - Backgroung elements
Explore further before including in the AES:
Participation in social and civic activities
Unmet demand (need and interest) and obstacles.
Advice and guidance
Education and Training Statistics WG, January 2004

11. Contents – Characteristics of LA
Formal
Non Formal
Informal
D.1 Content
D.1a Type of learning activity X
D.1b Level ISCED -
D.1c Field ISCED, subject
D.2 Recognition of learning outcomes
D.3 Time
D.3b Taught hours (ref. Period)
X (ft/pt)
D.3c Taught hours that are working hours
D.4 Providers
D.5 Subjective evaluation
D.5a perceived motive – short
D.5b perceived motive – extended
D.5d Satisfaction
D.5e Use of skills
D.6 Source of financial support
D.7 Method of learning
Education and Training Statistics WG, January 2004

12. Education and Training Statistics WG, 22-23 January 2004
1st AES
Central survey year: 2006
allow for one year difference before or after this survey year (i.e. in 2005 or 2006 or 2007)
So that
1. EU countries can:
- either prepare the AES as a separate survey or
- integrate the core module in an appropriate national survey
2. non EU countries can collect comparable data following the specifications if they are interested
Education and Training Statistics WG, January 2004

13. Education and Training Statistics WG, 22-23 January 2004
AES – Longer term
A scoping document (ex-ante evaluation) for the Adult Education Survey presenting:
the “value” of the AES in terms of providing the necessary information fro policy making,
the “added value” compared to existing sources or alternative methods of data collection
This document should :
include a detailed analysis of practical considerations
Be the basis for taking the final decision on a commitment by all sides for a regular survey.
Education and Training Statistics WG, January 2004

14. AES – 2004 development of methodology
Three main task areas have been identified:
A) Development of AES questionnaire
B) Survey recommendations/specifications for AES
C) Classifications: finalisation and testing of classifications to be used in the AES
Education and Training Statistics WG, January 2004

15. AES – 2004 ways of co-operation
1. Task Groups under the leadership of a country working together mainly by and meeting only when necessary (members nominated by countries)
2. Task Groups for some tasks which would work from a distance but would meet and work together for 2-3 weeks so that the members will be able to produce their deliverable at the end of their last meeting. (members nominated by countries)
Education and Training Statistics WG, January 2004

16. AES – 2004 ways of co-operation
3. Subsidies to the ESS for some of the tasks so that a national body can undertake the development of a task (e.g. development of questionnaire).
4. Externalisation of some tasks to statistical experts if the ESS is not in a position to carry them out or if external expertise is necessary (e.g. further exploration of interesting variables not included)
Education and Training Statistics WG, January 2004

17. Education and Training Statistics WG, 22-23 January 2004
The ETS WG is invited:
to endorse the recommendations of the TF AES, in view of the adoption of the final report and recommendations of the TFAES
to comment on the next steps including the tasks for 2004 and the proposed ways of co-operation
to express the interest of their country to contribute in the AES work in 2004 and refer to the conditions under which this contribution would be possible.
Education and Training Statistics WG, January 2004