The scope of literacy courses. Results of a representative survey among adult education centres As part of the EQUALS project, the German Adult Education Association (DVV) collected statistical data on literacy courses at adult education centres; this article presents the data and compares it with figures from 1994. The number of courses has risen, as has the number of participants, but fewer institutions than before provide this service. Compared with 1994, the participants are older and t…
Der Beitrag zielt darauf, der Weiterbildungsdiskussion unter der Perspektive der demographischen Entwicklung eine quantitative Basis zu geben. Dazu werden für einen größtmöglichen Zeitraum die Altersstrukturdaten aus der Volkshochschul-Statistik in Beziehung zu Daten der Bevölkerungsstatistik („demographischer Wandel“) gesetzt. Die Altersstruktur der Belegungen von Volkshochschul-Kursen wird in der Entwicklung beschrieben und in zwei Stufen analysiert. Ergebnis ist, dass die Altersgruppen kontr…
For various reasons adult participation in lifelong learning does not measure up to expectations tied to the agenda of lifelong learning. The article suggests that adults relate learning activities to their conceptions of life stages. Therefore, participation in institutionalized continuing education must rather be linked to life-stage-dependant decisions based on sociocultural patterns than to the acceptance of lifelong learning in general. Specifically in the stage of professional life, these…
The report focuses on the significance of the term “educational justice” from a socio-ethical perspective based on current political debates. The concepts of equal opportunities, participation and achievements are relevant in the intricate discourse on education and justice. The report is a contribution to the conceptual systematization which is indispensable for a profound analysis of equality related aspects of the education system.
Vocational continuing education by gainfully employed persons – the explanatory power of activity-related features for continuing education behaviour Socio-demographic, company and employment data is often used to explain continuing education behaviour of individuals. Even though continuing education needs arise directly in the job context, job-related aspects are less frequently taken into account – not least due to the availability of data. This has been made possible, however, by a repres…
In consideration of the omnipresent commitment to the significance of lifelong learning, the article analyses the role of continuing education within public education funding. Over the past 20 years, public continuing education funding has been reduced by 41 %. The low participation rate in continuing education, particularly among the less qualified and atypically employed, encourage an increase in public investments. Funds should enhance staff counselling, qualification and professionalism as …
The author has collected self-reports of functional illiterates and questioned them on their “joy potential“. Three qualitatively set up analyses of the 1990s serve as sources. The contribution shows that the participation in literacy courses can cause a significant increase of self-confidence by overcoming experiences of deficit. The experience of attention and support is seen as encouraging and it contributes considerably to take over responsibility for one’s own life.
The changes in further education supported under the provisions of SGB III (Social Code III) engender a reorientation towards demand orientation. The effects must be termed dramatic after a year. Monies decreased by around 25 percent between 2002 and 2003. Participation and entry numbers in courses were drastically reduced. These effects are not temporary phenomena, but rather mark a change of system which further education providers must prepare themselves for.
