I Just Want an Education! Young People’s Perspectives

‘They make it easier to learn and cope’: The views of adolescents with speech, language and communication needs on attending a flexible learning programme

“…Participants in our study focused on the practical (e.g., class size, not needing to move class) and educational (e.g., tailoring of learning activities and the vocational focus) aspects of FLPs. The latter finding is in keeping with McGinty et al (2018) whose participants were focused on the future and preparing for life after school, also preferring a curriculum that was relevant and practical. Of particular importance, our finding is that these young people valued small class size, staying in the same classroom, and reduced noise levels in the classroom compared to previous schools.…”

“…The students described in McGinty et al's (2018) study did not describe a positive life trajectory prior to attending an FLP. These young people spoke of being homeless and reported a range of behavioural issues including truancy from school, drinking, fighting, stealing, violence and incarceration.…”

“…However, what is missing from the literature is the views of the young people attending FLPs themselves – what they say about their educational experiences and what they value. In the only study that we identified, McGinty et al (2018) interviewed 61 young people across eight sites in Australia, exploring their worldviews concerning the value of education and their experiences of attending an FLP. Students were asked about their previous experience of schooling and their current experiences in an FLP, to explore the differences between the two.…”

“…Many spoke about educational failure in their previous school experiences. Attending an FLP was associated with student statements about growing up, learning about how to make good choices, believing in themselves and developing confidence (McGinty et al, 2018). These were reported in conjunction with mention of their experience of teachers (in FLPs) caring about students.…”

“…These are all important factors in understanding the key features of FLPs and how best to support these young people. The participants in McGinty et al (2018) were aged between 12 and 20, and the sample included students who identified as male and female, as well as Indigenous and non-Indigenous young people. What is not known, however, is the speech, language and communication profiles or needs of the participants and how this might influence the findings.…”