Mapping the Terrain

Abstract

There are concerns within OECD countries about many young people’s apparent disengagement from education. Chapter 2 reviews current research in this field and explores the theoretical contexts and practical frameworks that have helped to inform the Young Adolescent Engagement in Learning (YAEL) Model. Evidence is presented from individual schools and schooling jurisdictions that have experimented with their own responses to this challenge. Such initiatives have shown varying levels of success. Much of the literature highlights the need to change many of the traditional aspects of mainstream schooling that impact negatively on the engagement of many young people. Therefore, this chapter also turns to the alternative and flexible learning sector for practices and philosophies of schooling that provide holistic frameworks of support for students.