Site structure
Information centre
The starting point to use this resource, this section includes general background information and a brief explanation about how to use it.
Know your area
This section is devoted to raising staff awareness of local and regional issues specific to each organisation that might influence the potential students' decision as whether or not initiate an academic career. Providers of adult education can only be successful in engaging with students if they understand the communities and the people. Organisations can only be effective if they go to the people they want to engage, learn from them, understand their conditions and offer changes at a pace they can accept.
Local History, Culture and Heritage
Local sources of information and support
Courses, progression routes and articulation
This section contains all the necessary information from community learning to Further and Higher Education, including available courses and possible entry and exit points and route progressions. The aim is not only to answer specific questions, but also to guide unsure students to their most appropriate level. Also, this information allows articulation to be built between different universities, colleges, learning centres and referral agencies, resulting in a better link between the various education levels.
Higher and Further Education courses
Courses and application process
Student support
This section looks primarily at funding resources, including funding agencies and their specific requirements. Also, it contains information about various student support services offered across Universities and Colleges. Returning to study after a break may seem rather dauting. However, all colleges and universities offere some form of guidance and student support services, offering help, information and advice on any matter which may be interfering with studies, including assistance with difficulty with course material, finances, health and welfare, personal issues or support with additional needs associated with disabilities or medical conditions.
Counselling for personal difficulties
Techniques and skills
This section focusses on various techniques and skills, such as interview and listening skills, for example. There are a variety of factors relating to students and their specific personal situation, such as personal motivation and support of friends and family, which can be difficult to assess. Following appropriate training using this resource, it is expected that staff would be increasingly aware of these factors and how to respond accordingly.
Interview skills and questioning techniques
Assessing barriers to progression
Marketing and Advertising Strategies
Marketing and advertising are the main focus of this section. Larger organisaitons may have their own dedicated marketing department, and therefore do not need to include this section in their training sessions. However, in smaller establishments, the same members of staff may have to develop appropriate marketing strategies and directly deal with students and potential students. Therefore, understanding ways of identifying the target audience and marketing courses is also covered in this resource. In particular when targeting adults, collaborations with local business, job centres and various local initiatives to reach prospective students in their workplace are essential.
Marketing and advertising strategies
Staff Development
This final section is aimed at staff development officers organising training sessions using this resource. It includes detailed descriptions of structure and contents of the website as well as suggestions to develop training sessions. The aim of a staff development officer is to continously facilitate and provide training to all staff in acquiring, maitaining and enhancing skills that will result in providing effective and innovative advice and support services to students.
How to develop training sessions