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Referring to the KOSMOS project, the article examines the significance of quality in academic continuing education, the requirements directed at quality management, and options for development in the project. The focus is on new programmes for non-traditional target groups.
Do-it-yourself literature opens up a broad autodidactic field - though explicit references to "learning" are hardly relevant. In the light of a complex constellation of a contemporary production of knowledge and values, the repertoire of adult education is capable of taking a critical look at the postulated performance of do-it-yourself literature, as well as (re)discovering dimensions such as reactions, physicality or emotions of the learning self.
This article examines the surplus value of CiLL as an accompanying study to PIAAC. Consequently, CiLL does not only point out the significance of acquiring competences for senior citizens but also provides a differential outlook on that phase of life. In addition, the study's methodological structure is examined critically.
The article presents initial findings of the CiLL study - a German extending study on PIAAC. Using the same tools as PIAAC, the study measures reading, numeracy and technology-based problem-solving skills of people between 66 and 80 years of age - an age group, which was excluded in the PIAAC study.
PIAAC reveals the deficits of basic competences within the adult population. To master this problem, which also applies to the labour market, the author calls for establishing a Federal Office for the protection of basic education. This office may be an opportunity for people with and without a migrational background, persons seeking employment as well as precariously employed people to attend vocational education and training programmes, which are funded by the government.
Based on the assumption that the findings gained during the PIAAC study provide an impetus for the development of demand-driven support opportunities, the author points out the needs for improvement in the field of basic education. At the same time, regarding the content, the author warns of constricting adult education in favour of competence and outcome oriented programmes.
