Sara Pasino
is an Italian journalist with a passion for written, multimedia and documentary storytelling. She holds an MA in International Journalism from Cardiff University and has contributed to a range of international outlets, including the BBC and the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation. Contact: sarapasino@gmail.com; X: @Sarapasino
Research and practice: Equal collaboration can lead to relevant research
“A trusting, eye-to-eye dialogue is needed for fruitful collaboration between research and practice,” says Sonja Muders of the German Institute for Adult Education. Amid divergent languages and priorities, how can that be achieved?
Bridging the gap: How stakeholder cooperation can enhance lifelong learning
Conducted across 21 European countries, the RegALE survey highlights the urgent need for better cooperation among policymakers, practitioners and researchers to create a more inclusive and effective adult education system in Europe. Francesca Torlone of the University of Florence discusses the survey results, noting the fragmented state of adult education and proposing solutions.
What role can companies play in civic education?
As political trust wanes and populism rises, there are calls for Europe’s corporate sector to step up. The Civic Scouts at Work programme empowers employees to promote democracy through civic education in corporate training. Can corporate social responsibility help adult learners cope with policy changes in Europe?
Paolo Federighi on micro-credentials: Progress toward equality, but equity remains elusive
They provide affordable and flexible learning opportunities, but do they truly promote equity and inclusivity? “Not quite yet,” says Paolo Federighi, Honorary Professor of Adult Education at the University of Florence, in reference to the much-debated micro-credentials.
Digitalisation and adult wellbeing: from social inclusion to privacy risks
Technology can work wonders. It can speed up work processes and connect people from opposite sides of the world. “All this is possible only if one knows how to use the technology,” warns Charalambos Vrasidas of CARDET.
Empowering peace in the Balkans: Can adult education pave the way?
In the heart of the Balkans, the echoes of the Yugoslav Wars continue to reverberate through the lives of its inhabitants. As the scars of the conflict persist and peacebuilding attempts have often proved unsuccessful, adult education could be a beacon of hope in the region.
How the future of civic education could shape the course of democracy in Europe
Civic education is an educational sector that faces great expectations, such as strengthening democratic engagement, but that has scarce resources, says Louisa Slavkova. She is a political scientist specialised in democracy development and civic education.
Protests as learning labs to increase adults’ ecological awareness
Combining their academic background and activism experience, Professor Violeta Orlovic and research associate Milica Marušić studied how environmental protests in Serbia became learning opportunities for activists and citizens. One of the benefits was the possibility to build citizenship identity.
Vocational skills are no longer enough for adult education in Europe
Are vocational skills still enough for adults in the challenging job market? Marcella Milana, professor in education and Chair of the European Society for Research on the Education of Adults, believes that unless we consider adults as citizens first, vocational skills won’t be enough.
Illiteracy – a forgotten problem in Europe?
Domenico Cersosimo, a former professor at the Calabria University, discusses the threats of functional illiteracy. At its worst, it limits people’s access to citizenship rights.
