Research
We explore how adult education can be made inclusive, digital and effective.
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The concept of self-optimisation is closely linked to discourses on lifelong learning and has been discussed in adult education research for some time. The talk about selfoptimisation is mostly articulated as a critique or critical analysis, appears as almost self-evident and thus gets caught up in the pull of normalisation. The established problematisation of self-optimisation is therefore also subjected to problematization in this paper in an attempt to reopen the thinking of the problem. Th…
This article regards the publication of a text-foto-volume on the 100-year-history of the German Volkshochschule as an impulse for a possible innovation of writing history of adult education. First, the methodological principles of a both empirical and narrative historiography and its terminology will be described. Departing from a pragmatic moral intention of the book to present an affirmative history of the Volkshochschule, the article suggests a historical-normative historiography. Thereafte…
The article deals with the question how learning is made possible in time and space in university continuing education. The analysis focuses on the phases of on-site study and self-study, which are regarded as two forms of dealing with time and space in university continuing education. Both formats present specific challenges for the students, showing that the quality of learning time and learning spaces plays a key role in participation. In addition, times and places for on-site study and self…
The planning of teaching and learning is a key task for teachers of adult and continuing education. This recurrent challenge demands situational decisions regarding objectives, contents, media and activities of teaching and learning, taking into consideration both the learner as well as organisational and spatial factors. However, empirical research indicates that these complex and interdependent decisions are often tackled insufficiently. Digital planning tools can be used to reduce the comple…
The contribution introduces experience orientated learning places such as museums, science centers, zoos, theme parks, but also Brandlands and Urban Entertainment Centers. These learning places complement formal learning and offer room for self-controlled and strong emotionally established learning. Requirements for such hybrid basic approaches are formulated by education and entertainment. These assessments rest upon the results of a research project funded by the Federal Ministry of Education…
From 2002 on the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) will be sponsoring 80 regional networks in the context of the „Learning Regions – promotion of networks“ programme. This programme will be scientifically monitored by a consortium formed by the German Institute of Adult Education (DIE), the German Institute of Economic Research (DIW), and the universities of Duisburg and Munich. The author will be in charge of the overall scientific supervision. In his article he pres…
English version of the "Counselling" tape. What functions can counselling fulfil in literacy courses? Two projects carried out by the former Pedagogic Section of the German Federation of Adult Education Centres clarified this issue in the 1980s ["Literacy" (1982–1985) and "Elementary Education"(1985-19888)]. This summary of the results of both projects clarifies the concept of learning counselling, clarifies the central meaning of non-verbal forms of expression using practical examples and intr…
Unter Rückgriff auf eigene Erfahrungen in der Biografiearbeit mit Menschen im höheren Lebensalter erläutert der Autor den Zusammenhang von Ambiguität, Ambiguitätstoleranz und Identität. Dabei diene auch die rückschauende Biografiearbeit nicht nur der Bilanzierung, sondern der Gegenwartsgestaltung und -bewältigung.
Awareness must be raised with respect to financial literacy. The publication provides information on the topic of financial literacy, explains the importance of raising awareness, outlines the function and role of multipliers as prime movers at the various interfaces and highlights the potential of cooperation and networking. In three steps – recognising, responding and taking action – it presents theoretical principles and case studies from a variety of vocational (everyday) situations for sel…
The author traces the change in paradigm in educational policy from the perspective of the Ministry in charge as a »fundamental empirical change«. It shows structures and framework conditions underlying pertinent major projects (National Educational Panel, technology-based testing, the Programme for Empirical Educational Research) and draws attention to the output and competence orientation as their “leitmotif”. By the same token it views educational policy and educational research as being dep…
