Traffic education - A survey of current provision and practice in colleges of further education

During the academic year 1986-87 a survey was conducted to provide information about the current state of traffic education in colleges of further education (FE). A total of 67 colleges were contacted and 40 agreed to participate in the survey. Data were collected through interviews and questionnaires from 152 members of staff. Aspects of traffic education had been taught in all the colleges, but to only 9 per cent of full-time students and 3 per cent of part-time students. The subject was introduced through general and communication studies, social and life skills, motor vehicle studies, first aid, and health, child and social care subjects. There was very little coordination of the traffic education input provided by the different departments. Usage of traffic education teaching materials was very limited. Staff would like more information about materials and more suitable materials. The support they received from outside agencies was largely confined to the occasional talk for students. Few members of staff had received any training for their traffic education work. The report concludes that staff teaching traffic education need more encouragement, information and appropriate teaching resources. (A)