What Matters and What Should Count: A Conceptual Framework for Informing Public Investments in Adult Learning

Authors:Karen MyersArthur SweetmanNatalie Conte

This report provides a conceptual map for analyzing adult learning outcomes. It is one in a series of papers that have informed the development of an analytical framework for the Adult Learning and Returns to Training Project. The project is a three-year multi-disciplinary and collaborative effort to further the knowledge base of conceptual, analytical and methodological issues concerning the scope and measurement of adult learning activities and their associated financial and non-financial returns to individuals, firms and society at large.

This report has 2 broad objectives:

1. First, to set the stage for ongoing dialogue by providing an overview of some of the key issues related to public investments in adult learning for less educated and lower skilled workers.
2. Second, to present a conceptual map that lays the ground work for the development of an analytical framework that specifies what should count in estimating returns to adult learning.

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Project Details

Capability: Policy Research
Policy Area: Adult Learning - Adult Training
Population: General Population - Low-skilled Workers
Type: Report
Completion Date: April 2014
Sponsors: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC)

Other Related Projects and Publications

• The Adult Learning And Returns To Training Project: Final Report

Other Related Projects