1. Evaluating WP initiatives: overcoming the challenges Evaluating outreach for adult learners from disadvantaged backgrounds
Dr John Butcher

2. 5 institutional case studies providing exemplars of outreach for disadvantaged adult learners
The preparedness of students studying a STEM Access module for studying Level 1 STEM
Transitions from a foundation programme onto a full Arts degree
Successful transitions from Higher Educational Introductory Studies to degree level study
Community engagement – what works?
Using free online resources to reach adult learners

3. Why the project?
Sector encouragement to engage more fully with this cohort
OFFA focus on adult and mature learners in Access Agreements
Recognition that many institutions are uncertain how to ‘do’ it

4. + + + + Identifying the issue The decline of part-time HE
Part-time learners primarily adult learners
Evaluation of outreach primarily focussed on school-based interventions
Outreach for mature learners significantly different
Discussions with OfFA around promoting and evaluating outreach aimed at adult learners from disadvantaged backgrounds
A gap in the literature around effective outreach for adult learners + + + +

5. The development of an evaluation framework for use across the sector
Identified need to explore examples of outreach activity for disadvantaged adult learners
The development of an evaluation framework for use across the sector +

6. Findings from the case studies
Disadvantaged adult learner outreach is context-specific
The impact of outreach engaging adults with HE may not be felt for some time
Successful outreach may not necessarily mean adult learners re-engaging with the institution from which the outreach was delivered
Successful outreach may be more qualitative (ie increased confidence) in nature rather than bums on seats
Adult learner journeys are random and non-linear therefore measuring impact and progression to HE is challenging
Degree classification is not necessarily a measure of success - added-value/distance travelled is (how do we measure that?)

7. The adult The institution Financial risk Can I afford it? Benefits
Identify how to deliver
Informal learning
Community partnerships
Foundation courses
Access routes
Benefits
Is it the right level?
Family commitments
Identify who and how to target outreach
Is it the right course?
Community groups
Professional networks
Personal commitments
Does it fit with current commitments
Work commitments
Outreach for disadvantaged adults

8. Activity Step 1 How ready is your institution for adult learners?
What does outreach to adult learners look like in your institution?
Step 3
How do you evaluate your outreach activity to adult learners
Next steps