Collaborative Approaches to 14-19 Provision - Communities and ...

14-19 PATHFINDERS: THE SECOND YEARthe case studies. However, given the breadth of pathfinder activities, the focus of theevaluation and the time available for case study visits it was not possible to conductsystematic exploration of student experiences. We took advantage of opportunities for directobservation of pathfinder learning activities and chances to talk to students as and when theyarose. This was important in giving a flavour of the kinds of learning which was taking placeand helped to structure our interviews with staff.171. In the survey we asked coordinators to estimate the effects of pathfinder activities onstudent attendance and behaviour. We present the results from these questions below.However, most coordinators were anxious to stress that their estimates were not stronglybased on systematic, quantitative data. Even where some quantitative data was available itwas necessary to be cautious in attributing any changes to pathfinder activities both becauseof the difficulties of identifying exclusively pathfinder activities and establishing causal linksbetween educational processes and outcomes.172. This section addresses four main themes. We begin by exploring the extent to whichthe pathfinder involved particular groups of young people in learning activities. We thenprovide some examples of student experiences within pathfinders and early indications of thepossible effects. We then turn to the ways in which students are being supported on theirentry and progression through the 14-19 phase. This involves reporting our findings on boththe provision of advice and guidance and the arrangements for reviewing progress andsupporting students through individual learning plans or other mechanisms.Involving a range of young people in learning activities173. This theme is concerned with the inclusivity of pathfinder activities in relation todifferent groups of students. We were interested to discover the extent to which thepathfinders were aiming to potentially change learning experiences for all groups of learnersor targeting their efforts on particular groups.57