The ever-changing world of further education: A case for research

Abstract

Further education, the focus of much recent policy interest and development, is frequently characterised by insiders as ‘ever changing’. Yet, it remains grossly under-researched and, hence, little understood by outsiders, whether they be academics, employers, policy-makers or members of the general public. The bulk of the limited literature available on further education remains descriptive, policy-orientated and focused on single institutions. Critical, analytical, theoretical and comparative studies are few and far between. Such studies are necessary in order to both understand and aid policy development in such a critically important sector. This paper examines and categorises the existing literature, and suggests areas for future research. © 1996 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.