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The aim of the paper is to give an overview of key issues involved in recognising non-formal and informal learning, ranging from the legitimacy of the learning activities in terms of the outcomes to be recognised, through the cost of the necessary assessment, and essential elements such as quality assurance, the standards used, the potential benefits and the real obstacles. The findings summarised here are based on a report that describes and analyses practices in the 22 countries that particip…
Representative surveys on participation in continuing education are the basis for analyses of lifelong learning as well as a description of the continuing education sector within the educational system. The information which is made available should be sufficiently differentiated in order to be able to distinguish different types of learning activities. One of the most important distinctions is the one between general and continuing vocational education. This article examines how and with what …
Continuing education and justice The question as to the connection between education and justice has always been important, even before education was established as a functioning sub-system of society. This applies in a similar manner to the sub-field of “continuing education”. The REPORT examines different approaches to the difficult topic of justice and the required linkage between a discussion based on standards and norms and empirical data (which is too unreliable). The articles especially…
The term »valorization« has gained a wide distribution by the EU support programme of vocational training (Leonardo da Vinci). The author points to the prospective that the term will soon be able to establish itself in other educational areas. Valorization can be described as a process of dissemination and utilization of project results with the aim of optimizing their value, increasing their impact and integrating them into training systems. A correlatively strategy shall be existent in projec…
Networks of citizens’ commitment – On the role of adult education within the scope of the network work with the older Introduced are the partial results of a research project in North-Rhine-Westphalia, in which networks of citizens’ commitment in Düsseldorf in the area of work with older people have been evaluated. At the beginning of the contribution the term of network is explained, then the personal pre-requisites for citizens’ commitment are sketched and concluding the model of self-orga…
The so-called Q-sorting operation is an unknown research method, hardly known as a pedagogically-oriented research method, typically used to compile complex responses and attitudes from a subjective perspective. The following article examines the question whether the Q-sorting methodology might also be implemented as a practical collection instrument to evaluate teacher beliefs in the context of professional development for educators. In particular, it will be examined whether an index formatio…
In the field of economic innovation research, “clusters” (geographical concentrations of related companies) are of great importance due to their extreme productivity and innovation. Seen from the perspective of this type of innovation research, this article presents possible mechanisms which could stand in the path of regional cooperation. Geographical proximity is not enough to spark successful cooperation. The article identifies indifference as a central hurdle on the path to regional coopera…
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…
This article examines learning at the university, which is located in the institutional context of the university with its structural conditions. The analysis of learning at universities opens research perspectives, to which the adult education science can deliver substantial contributions.
