upskilling
Trustworthy validation of qualifications for labour market needs
Over the past decade, the Swedish Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning has enabled thousands to earn non-formal qualifications in fields from forestry to hairdressing. Trustworthiness is built into the system, explains Anna Kahlson of the National Agency for Higher Vocational Education.
Alex Stevenson on England’s PIAAC results: Low-skilled adults are falling behind
A closer look at the 2023 PIAAC results on adult skills in England shows that the progress since 2013 has largely been among so-called high achievers. Low-skilled adults are being left behind, warns Alex Stevenson of the Learning and Work Institute.
Soltic on Flanders tuition hikes: Threats to lifelong learning and employability
Flanders has raised fees for so-called “non-essential” courses. “Yet they often serve as stepping stones to career development, and short-term savings risk long-term growth,” writes Jorie Soltic of KU Leuven in her Speakers’ Corner column, produced with the European Association for the Education of Adults.
EDITORIAL Why validation and recognition of prior learning matter now more than ever
In her editorial, ELM Editorial Board member Beth John explores the benefits of validation and recognition of prior learning. “Validation enhances motivation, self-worth, and supports efficient upskilling and reskilling,” she says.
Open and shared dialogue with Sweden’s Democracy Step by Step model
Teachers working with immigrants and other learners in Sweden report major improvements in classroom discussions about values and rights, thanks to an innovative programme developed by the National Agency for Education and the Living History Forum.
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.
EDITORIAL Making flexibility real
In her editorial on the theme of Flexible Learning Approaches, ELM Editorial Board member Antra Carlsen explores flexible learning and highlights micro-credentials as an important tool for supporting it.
Nataša Potočnik: “Adult education is about empowerment and inclusion”
Our “Meet the board” series introduces the members of ELM Magazine’s editorial board. Our newest member, Nataša Potočnik of the Slovenian Institute for Adult Education, believes in lifelong learning’s role in reducing inequalities and fostering active citizenship.
