As announced in the last Learning to Learn Newsletter, the Campaign for Learning is delighted that the Learning and Skills Council have agreed to sponsor a L2L in FE research project to run alongside and link with the existing Learning to Learn in Schools project.

The Campaign has long been interested in involving FE Colleges in its L2L research, as many parts of the FE sector already use learning to learn approaches in some form, and L2L principles are also those underpinning good adult education practice. However, FE colleagues have tended to have fewer opportunities to undertake formal research and study on pedagogy than their schools counterparts in recent years. Moreover, in the light of 14 - 19 developments and the introduction of Diplomas, collaboration between schools and Colleges is increasingly becoming the norm. Recent expansion of the project to include FE Colleges, then, is timely.

The first two colleges to become involved in the project are very different, which should aid the investigation of as many avenues as possible, whilst still allowing for comparison with L2L in Schools. Northumberland College, based in one of the four Local Authorities involved with L2L in Schools, is a largely rural College spread over several campuses. Tracking the progress of young people from schools the Campaign is already working with will be an integral part of their participation. Conversely, Lewisham College is an urban, multicultural inner-London College based in an area with no previous connection to the Learning to Learn project, but with a longstanding interest in Learning to Learn and an existing Learning to Learn Unit within the College. Data from these very different Colleges should facilitate fascinating observations on urban / rural, cultural, ethnic and social differences in the implementation of L2L approaches in FE.

In order to keep the project integrated and maximise the opportunity for comparison, the Campaign, whilst valuing the significance of contrast, is eager to preserve the central aims of the project across both of its strands. Nevertheless, some of the questions likely to be addressed in L2L in FE will inevitably tackle new concerns and issues, which can only add to the significance of the research. For example Northumberland staff are looking at:

· How effective is the current review process for Hairdressing apprentices?
· Will motivational rewards improve adult learners' attitudes and confidence in mathematics?
· Can students use the Virtual Learning Environment to be more independent, active learners?

In order to celebrate the launch of Learning to Learn in FE, and to aid its implementation, the Campaign for Learning is holding a one-day conference to debate the issues. Professor Frank Coffield - of the Institute of Education, University of London, will provide a keynote speech. For more information see the events page of this newsletter or contact Karla McLaren on 020 7766 0010 or kmclaren@cflearning.org.uk.

There are still many challenges for the Campaign and Learning to Learn. Our aim is to develop a passion for learning that sustains people for life. We have a way to go to reach this goal, but we hope that promoting Learning to Learn approaches will help us do so. Alongside our work in schools and FE, we aim to embed Learning to Learn in workplaces and community settings. For further information and advice on this, please contact Rebecca Goodbourn, Policy & Research Manager, at the Campaign on rgoodbourn@cflearning.org.uk.
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