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So far in the field of continuing education research the management concept is and has been primarily focused. Therefore the research is still centred on directing structures and objective processes. Thus, this article concentrates on leadership, i.?e. the superior’s intended influence on the coordination of organisation members. Based on a contrastive case comparison, it analyses the enhancement of hierarchical and non-hierarchical forms of action coordination triggered by the superior’s leade…
Weaving the ‘carpet of memories’: a zigzag movement between association and knowledge This article presents a didactical strategy in the form of »zigzag learning« which works on the basis of a constant linkage between free associative learning elements (sporadic learning) with a logically structured content (systematic learning). A »carpet of memory« is woven in this zigzag movement which is propitious for learning efficacy. The strategy is presented using an example from school biology cla…
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…
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…
For various reasons adult participation in lifelong learning does not measure up to expectations tied to the agenda of lifelong learning. The article suggests that adults relate learning activities to their conceptions of life stages. Therefore, participation in institutionalized continuing education must rather be linked to life-stage-dependant decisions based on sociocultural patterns than to the acceptance of lifelong learning in general. Specifically in the stage of professional life, these…
The following report offers an insight on the theoretical and empirical issue of cultural adult education. It is understood as an institution for the refinement of the aesthetic senses which, according to Welsch, can easily become anesthetic – a situation of suspended sensitivity. A second empirical approach presents the current provisions systematized by three “Portals of Participation“. Cultural educational provisions may be attributed to the “systematic-receptive type“, the “independent-crea…
The German Atlas of Continuing Education documents empirical educational research results which identify geographical location, in addition to socio-economic status, as an important dimension of inequality in educational opportunities for adults. Generally, the German Atlas of Continuing Education describes the provision of continuing education and participation in continuing education at the levels of federal states as well as districts and independent cities over time. In addition, the Atla…
The textbook provides an introduction to the field of education of older adults and lifelong learning. Coming from an interdisciplinary field of research related to ageing, learning abilities and learning needs of older adults are discussed. Additionally, adequate forms of learning and educational arrangements are presented. A special focus lies upon the correlation between competencies and age, taking into account diverse living conditions and biographies. Thus, the textbook offers impulses to…
