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The concept of competencies has expansive effects for the definition of goals, contents and methods in teaching. The orientation on competencies therefore is more than a didactic principle like active-learning or learner-centered instruction. Coming from a concept of competencies as a didactical category as well as an aim of teaching, we will argue, that a comprehensive theoretical approach is needed, which delivers a theoretical founded orientation for both the decisions on contents and the me…
The article discusses whether it is necessary and possible to deduce the didactics of adult education from the particularities of the adult age. The authors make the case for understanding didactics of adult education in the continuity of the lifespan and as a modification of general didactics. It should be related to the characteristics of the social situation of adults. Such “didactics for adults” should be complemented by specific “didactics of further education” which focus on specific inst…
This contribution suggests a reconstruction of didactic behavior in the context of adult education. Didactics is perceived as a specific kind of practice that can be analyzed with respect to its immanent significances. Thus, criteria of adult education didactics can be identified. These criteria are not only empirically found aspects concerning the conditions of success. Incorporated challenges concerning disciplining, impositions of teaching and authority matter as well. Notwithstanding adult …
The report presents central findings of the PIAAC Study (»Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies«) conducted by the OECD and provides first estimates about its significance for adult education. Although PIAAC cannot offer any information about the correlation between causes and effects. However, it is reasonable to increase basic educational endeavours and extend the programmes for groups in danger of social exclusion. Finally, research tasks are pointed out.
This article acknowledges Hattie’s Meta-Study »Visible Learning« from a practical perspective, particularly from the continuing educational perspective of adult educators. The author regards Hattie’s findings on the learning effectiveness of instructors as particularly compatible. »Excellent instructors« are aware of their educational activities and adjust their actions to the logic of learning. Two examples are taken to point out which approaches are particularly effective for learning and how…
In this report, three different methods to approach Howard Gardner‘s »Five Minds for the Future« are revealed, which are each a connecting factor to adult education. As a popular scientific article to psychology and education in the context of a general educational debate, »Five Minds« indicates that the concept of independent adult education is not generally acknowledged. As educational theory, it serves as a useful tool for determining educational objectives. As a scientific creation, which c…
The report examines the transferability of Howard Gardner’s approach »Five Minds for the Future« to the field of continuing education. Along the »Five Minds«, he points out their significance as a plea for holistic education. Thus, future-oriented education does not impart a definite canon of knowledge but a positive preservation of learning. This pretence is transferable to continuing educational institutions which already include various holistic topics and forms of learning in their programm…
