I argue: Digital inclusion is key to democratic participation
“Digital inclusion is vital for enabling civic engagement and strengthening democracy. When citizens cannot navigate digital platforms, their ability to influence policies or shape communities is diminished,” writes Maja Brynteson of Nordregio in ELM’s “I argue” series.
Stanistreet: “Education can play a transformative role – for people and their communities”
Our “Meet the board” series introduces the members of ELM Magazine’s editorial board. Our new member, Paul Stanistreet of the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning, is inspired by the transformative power of adult education.
Democracy at the crossroads: dialogue or defence?
With polarisation on the rise, is meaningful dialogue across divides still possible? Political scientist Richard Gebhardt and psychologist Marina Weisband explore the issue from a German perspective.
Building democracy: How to prepare citizens for effective participation
“We see a danger of democracy collapsing, and the need for a new framework for adult civic learning to respond to it,” say Tetyana Hoggan-Kloubert and Chad Hoggan, authors of the new book Learning for Democracy: A Framework for Adult Civic Learning.
Learning City Derry taps lifelong learning to break the cycle of violence
Northern Ireland’s sectarian violence has faded, but the region still suffers from high rates of domestic and sexual violence. While addressing the root causes, Derry supports victims through adult education.
Reaching young adults: “Genuine dialogue and authentic listening are crucial”
“To truly connect with young people, adult education must place them at the centre, offering spaces where they can express themselves and feel heard,” says Tommaso Caraccioli from the University of Würzburg. With this interview, ELM launches “Young voices”, a new series highlighting the perspectives of the next generation shaping adult education across Europe.
Fostering civic engagement: Citizens Xelerator in Portugal
As Portugal faces declining support for adult education, initiatives like Citizens Xelerator are more crucial than ever. In Lisbon, women from the association Grandma Came to Work and Citizens Xelerator explored embroidery while developing civic skills and social connections.
I argue: Learner-centred pedagogies about AI can be intellectually oppressive
In ELM’s “I argue” series, Hugo-Henrik Hachem from Linköping University questions the emphasis on promoting critical thinking through learner-centred approaches to artificial intelligence (AI) literacy. He argues for an AI-centred pedagogy that shifts the pedagogical focus from students’ levels of thinking about AI (critical or naïve) to their attention and motivation to study AI.
Teaching media literacy in Palestine: Supporting civil society and democracy
Teaching fact-checking and digital safety is important. The media literacy course organized by Bethlehem University and the Kvs Foundation goes further, fostering active citizenship and strengthening democracy in Palestine. Teacher Tamara Abu Laban and student Natali Nasser Abuayyash share their experiences.
EDITORIAL The stronger adult education, the stronger democracy
In her editorial on the theme of Adult Education and Democracy, ELM Editorial Board member Dina Soeiro emphasises how adult learning—through critical thinking, media literacy and civic engagement—empowers citizens to shape their communities and strengthen democracy.
