Learning & teaching
This category offers articles on best practices in learning and teaching, as well as the benefits and challenges of adult education and lifelong learning. These articles also explore global societal phenomena and their connections to lifelong learning.
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.
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.
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.
Beth John: “As educators, our responsibility is to awaken possibilities in our learners“
Our “Meet the board” series introduces the members of ELM Magazine’s editorial board. Our new member, Beth John of Adult Learning Wales, believes in the powerful, transformative role that tutors and lecturers play in supporting adult learners.
Elif Bahar, OECD: “Upskilling demands flexibility, funding and motivation”
Elif Bahar from the OECD stresses the need for workers to update their skills—but how, when time, cost and access are barriers? In her Speakers’ Corner column, Bahar shares possible solutions. The column series is produced in cooperation with the European Association for the Education of Adults.
Project Stories: Empowering career advisors to combat digital exclusion
Gudrun Totland Raddatz from the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration discusses a competency package developed for the employees to help combat digital exclusion among residents.
Micro-credentials for megatrends: Nordic and German approaches
Amid European challenges, the Nordic countries and Germany are turning to adult education, short-term courses and micro-credentials for solutions. A closer look at the countries reveals differences and areas for improvement.
