AONTAS Research


We conduct robust, evidence-based research into adult education, community education, and Further Education and Training (FET). We mainly do this through the National FET Learner Forum and research into community education in Ireland.

The National Further Education and Training (FET) Learner Forum:

Learner Voice is at the heart of AONTAS’ work. It is a concept in education that means that learners should have a say in decisions about their own education. It means that those who learn, not just those who teach, should influence the educational experience.


The National FET Learner Forum is a series of events taking place across Ireland, which facilitate adult learners to share their experiences of learning. This is the basis of our advocacy work and is used to ensure further education and training policy is responding to the needs of the learners themselves.

Since its launch, the Forum has reached thousands of learners. The project consists of one national event and a series of regional events held at Education and Training Boards across Ireland each year. We are here to listen to the voices of adult learners from across Ireland. We share the experiences of adult learners with SOLAS and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

This means change happens from the ground up.


For up-to-date information on AONTAS Research, follow us on Twitter/X, Facebook and LinkedIn with the hashtags:

#LearnerVoice and #FETLearnerForum


New research findings: Learner Voices Across Ireland Report 2024

Our latest "Learner Voices Across Ireland" report shows 64% of people surveyed gained more self-confidence through engaging in adult learning in Ireland in the last year. 58% gained a more positive outlook on the future, while 31% had an increased sense of belonging, and better health and well-being.

READ MORE

WHAT LEARNERS HAVE SAID

The value of FET
"Being part of further education has helped me to find new friends and it’s helped me with my confidence"

Importance of Learner Voice
"They need to know our needs. If we’re at the centre of it, they need to know what we want, what we decide"

Improvements To FET Advertisement
"Why is FET not advertised like the other schools and universities when we are doing similar things?"

PUBLICATIONS

The Transformative Impact of the Dillon's Cross Project, 2024 pdf
Issued in April 2024

The Transformative Impact of the Dillon's Cross Project, 2024

VIEW PDF (704.19 KB)
This article explores the transformative impact of the Dillon's Cross Project in Cork on the women who take part in it, and on the wider community
Issued in November 2023

"Learners' Voices Across Ireland": National FET Learner Forum Report, 2022-2023

VIEW PDF (4.25 MB)
The latest research from AONTAS on what's working well and what needs improvement for Further Education and Training learners across Ireland

Funded by

  • Learning works
  • Government of Ireland