Comparative Studies in Adult Education and Lifelong learning

About

The international Winter School ‘Comparative Studies on Adult Education and Lifelong learning’ is dedicated
to analysing and comparing international and european strategies in lifelong learning. Based on social
policy models, lifelong learning strategies in europe, including selected european countries, will be subjected
to a critical analysis. Furthermore, subtopics of lifelong learning have been chosen (e.g. participation
in adult education in Europe, training the adult learning trainers, quality in adult education) for an indepth
comparison and analysis of the situation in various european countries.
During the first part of the Winter School, theories and approaches will be used for analysing european and
international lifelong learning strategies. The programme features direct interactions with key european stakeholders
in lifelong learning. Furthermore, local providers in adult and continuing education in Würzburg
will be visited. The interaction will lead to a critical analysis and to a comparison of lifelong learning strategies,
as well as to a theory-practice reflection on international policies in lifelong learning.
During the second part, the Winter School focuses on the comparison of selected subtopics of lifelong
learning in selected countries: How does the training of trainers vary in different countries? How does participation
in adult education differ in various European countries? How do quality systems vary in different
countries? Which differences and similarities do we find in the policies towards lifelong learning in different
countries? What conclusions can be drawn out of these differences and similarities?
Comparisons within the Winter School focus questions of adult education and lifelong learning. Questions
within adult education refer to learning processes of adults and the integration of them into diverse (educational)
contexts. In international contexts – especially within international organisations – one can find the
term lifelong learning which is frequently associated with adult learning. The Winter School is looking on
questions and discourse of lifelong learning from the perspective of adult education.
The Winter School is geared towards master and doctoral students from Europe and beyond. Mainly focused
are students who are enrolled in study programmes close to adult education and lifelong learning. We welcome
an interdisciplinary approach towards these topics.

Course leader

Professorship for Adult Education and Lifelong Learning

Target group

For participating in the Winter School, a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a subject with relation to
lifelong learning (e.g. a Bachelor degree in education) forms the minimum requirement.

Course aim

The Winter School is geared towards master and doctoral students from Europe and beyond. Mainly focused
are students who are enrolled in study programmes close to adult education and lifelong learning. We welcome
an interdisciplinary approach towards these topics.

Fee info