New Horizons 20 Years On. Occasional Papers Series: No. 7.

New Horizons is a course offered by the University of Edinburgh's Centre for Continuing Education that is aimed at first-time returners to education. In the 20 years since New Horizons was developed for women returners to education and/or employment, it has retained its original developmental outcomes but broadened its target group in response to changes in education and society. The program has remained a 1-day-per-week course, with students studying 3 subjects in the day with the same group of 20 students over 2 terms for 1-2 years. Although study skills and literature continue to be New Horizons' mainstay subjects, sociology, public affairs, art appreciation, science, music, and return to work or study have been added to the program. Although the teaching methods used in New Horizons classes have varied according to tutors' preferences/experiences, participation and discussion have always been emphasized. Each year, an optional residential conference/workshop has enabled participants to meet students in other New Horizons classes. Two surveys of former New Horizons students confirmed that New Horizons had restored their confidence and enabled them to make more informed choices for further progression into further/higher education and training, paid or voluntary work, or other equally rewarding, self-fulfilling endeavors. (MN)