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On the basic The article looks at which values (defined as ‘conceptions of what is desirable’) are important to managers in continuing education, especially in terms of their interactions with employees, and to what extent they succeed, according to their own perception, in actually doing what is desirable. A re-analysis of interviews with managers acting under different general conditions suggests that collaboration based on participation and solidarity is especially important to all three man…
System reflexive evaluation of networks and network programmes A methodological perspective To contextualise and substantiate evaluation is a claim which the evaluation of the programme „Learning Regions – Providing Support for Networks” of the Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) formulates. But which basic approaches and proceedings are suitable to consolidate the item `networks` with suitable theoretical complexity and methodologically reflective evaluation? In this contr…
This article is devoted to workplace learning. Rather than formulating normative claims regarding educational processes, the aim is to empirically examine the conditions under which workplace learning takes place. The focus is on the process of needs assessment as part of program planning. Firstly, this process and the stakeholders involved are described for different types of programs. Secondly, an explorative analysis based on the contextual analysis shows how demand decisions are justified. …
Voluntary work 2.0? Media-related conditions for voluntary work in the Internet A participation culture has developed in the Internet which is broadly discussed under the rubric of “Web 2.0” and which is explored in this article to determine the principles of voluntary work operating here. To this end the author first forwards a definition of voluntary work in “offline” reality before examining the communications-related conditions prevailing in the Internet upon which a conception of volun…
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.
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…
Differentiating ageing and old age it is argued that a separate life stage “old age” is to be understood as a social construction. Ageing must not be conceptualized as a uniform and unidirectional process. Instead, physiological-biological, psychological, and social ageing are somehow independent processes following different developmental curves. Focussing on old age as a whole makes clear that gains as well as losses are characteristic for this life stage. Both aspects should be incorporated …
A theorist for professional organization and academic research on the one hand and the practical further education specialist on the other hand exchange their views and ideas on the positive and negative effects of a strategic orientation for third-party funds in an interview with „DIE“.
To promote intercultural opening as a key process for improving the participatory chances in continuing education for people with a background of migration, their current opportunies and boundaries need to be taken into particular consideration. Several basic arguments are discussed in this report.
Working at companies in old age – problem or opportunity? Company strategies for dealing with demographic change Demographic change usually confronts companies with a double challenge. Enterprises have to work with ageing staffs, while a veritable “war for talent” is underway to attract young skilled staff. This article explores the different strategies German enterprises are adopting to meet this challenge. At the same time, it distinguishes between tried-and-proven staff strategies whic…
