Flexible Learning: The Needs and Perceptions of Young People.

Abstract This article is based on a survey of school, college and unemployed young people in a Single Regeneration Budget area in the north of England. Its concern is with the low participation rates and standards of attainment in post‐16 education and training, especially in such areas. Its main purpose is to explore the needs and perceptions of the young people regarding certain forms of flexible learning, thence to discuss the possible role that greater provision of these might play in addressing participation and attainment. The key question posed is whether current styles, patterns and places for learning adequately serve young peoples’ needs. The article first outlines the problem of low participation and attainment. It then discusses what is variously meant by flexible learning, suggests that it is part of a commitment to promoting greater student‐centredness, reviews different sets of arguments associated with this commitment, and addresses why flexible learning might be a useful response to low p...