World of research
In this category you find articles from the world of research, insightful columns written by researchers and interesting interviews with experts. ELM Magazine presents research in an understandable and accessible way.

Future of literacy: diverse and complex
The variety of different forms of text and information in our daily lives is exploding. “Literacy as a concept also needs to expand,” argues Finnish literacy researcher Sari Sulkunen.

Whereto, folk? Ove Korsgaard on N.F.S Grundtvig
In this dialogue with the past, Professor Ove Korsgaard discusses N.F.S Grundtvig’s lasting influence on democratic education and the implications of ‘folk’.

We need to start taking resistance to education seriously
We need to acknowledge that people have many valid reasons for not participating in adult education, argues Professor Daniela Holzer.

Cost-of-living crisis gives new life to civil disobedience in Scotland
The volatile economic situation is changing the way people feel about central politics. The Don’t Pay campaign is a grassroots campaign opposing the rise in energy bills in the UK.

Courage, skills and mashed potatoes
Protesting is a key part of democratic culture and a strong civil society. Successful protesting often requires learning a variety of different tactics.

The radical politics of intimate spaces: Akwugo Emejulu on bell hooks
In this dialogue with the past, Professor Emejulu discusses bell hooks’ lasting influence on pedagogy, solidarity and resistance.

A Man with Hope
Emeritus Professor Linden West delves into the stories of marginalised people to understand obstacles to adult learning, and to encourage dialogue and democratic participation.

The power of memories
We talked to Professor Aline Sierp about better acknowledging the way collective memories shape our views, politics – and even the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Pathways from childhood outdoor experiences to engagement in later life – the view from older outdoor enthusiasts
This paper is based on the life stories of 28 older outdoor enthusiasts who reflect on their engagement with a range of outdoor activities during their lives. Their stories reveal that there are particular pathways from early years through middle age that help them to keep their interest and enthusiasm for the outdoors.

Making the outer inner: adults need play too
Play is often cited as ‘the work of children’, but play does not leave us when we become adults, says Dr Peter King.