The real numeracy needs of 21st century are neglected
Generic numeracy training is rarely interesting or helpful for most adults, researchers claim. Instead, adult education should help people to critically evaluate the structures behind our data-driven world.
Beliefs matter in numeracy education
Beliefs in adult education should be studied more, says researcher Sonja Beeli. Personal learning histories and specific incidents strongly influence someone’s view of mathematics – and this applies to teachers too.
Adult education and the cruel optimism of the technological solutionism
It is clear that moving to online teaching is not the miracle cure that many make it out to be, Maren Elfert writes. Cruel optimism builds visions for a future that are likely to become reality only for a privileged few. The text is a column written for Speakers’ Corner series.
Continuous learning as a right and a necessity
Following Finland’s EU-presidency, we talked to the Finnish Minister of Education, Li Andersson, about the strengths and challenges of the Finnish non-formal adult education and the role of adult learning in surviving the global crisis.
Bringing digital empowerment into everyday life
For the past three years, Lisbon City Council has been working to demystify the use of everyday technology. When covid-19 suspended all in-person training, helping people to use digital tools to fully exercise their citizenship became more relevant than ever.
Adult education for people with disabilities: How do you access the inaccessible?
Despite improvements in inclusive education in the compulsory and higher education sectors in the Republic of Ireland, participation by people with disabilities in adult education remains stubbornly low, writes Lisa Maria Reilly in her column.
Skills gap analysis for the future
Global pandemics, technological development, climate change, migration and aging populations all affect the types of skills that are needed in societies. The Norwegian Committee on Skill Needs was founded to better predict and prepare for these changes.
Pandemic perpetuates inequalities in learning
Across Europe, educationally vulnerable adults are now at a particularly high risk of being left behind. But the inherent flexibility of the ALE sector can also be a key in tackling the crisis.
Embracing the uncertainty of life
Life is full of things that catch us off guard. To deal with change, we need flexibility, resilience and an open mind – all things that adult education can help provide. The text is an editorial written for issue 2/2020 on Adult Education and the Unexpected.
Dying for beginners
“Last Aid Courses” have been gaining popularity in many parts of the world. They aim to offer basic knowledge in palliative care but also break taboos around death.
