This article explores the inherent normative nature of what on the surface appears to be neutral empirical research. Direct and indirect normative influences exercised by empirical research are demonstrated using the example of the PISA studies: (1) their desire to provide knowledge which can help steer policy, (2) the normative nature of their didactical concepts and educational theory, (3) the idea derived from the sequence of studies of adapting classroom instruction to conform with the conc…
Sites and trajectories of learning disconnected from schooling and traditional training are discussed against the background of a new scientification of work related to the shift towards an information technological mode of production. This scientification is rooted in a new relation of theory and practice at work. Accordingly, workers play a new strategic role in work processes: they have to optimize procedures, define and search for reasonable objectives, reflect on methods and strategies of …
The development of interest in adult education This article presents results of a project funded by the DFG on the development of interest in continuing and further education. We connect our work to most recent research on biographical genesis of interest and focus occuring during an individual’s participation in adult education. As theoretical approach we refer to the Munich theory of interest and the pragmatist approach. We empirically investigate the opportunities and limitations of a qua…
The didactical gap in the “didactical self choice” In adult education didactics are closely conglomerated with learn theoretical concepts without clearly naming its own questions in content. This becomes especially obvious in the newly research on e-learning. After the failure of the technically possible, the call for didactics has become loud. When one regards the pertinent publications, one finds remarkably many which take their didactical foundation from the learn theory and therewith ha…
Construction of reflexive acting in work related learning adult education in the context of the company With the arising of post industrial work relations employment contracts, learning and further education develop to an important factor of success in companies. In an increasingly customer orientated and globalized economy, a reflective work action has become possible and necessary both in view of subject related developments and work environments and structures. This double reflexibility …
The German Institute for Adult Education (DIE) works as a provider of scientific ser vices for both research and practical work in adult and fur ther education, supplying institutions and researchers with statistical data, documents and support. Its strategic position at the interface between theory and practice corresponds with the institutes specific understanding of its own supportive function and distinctive corporate identity: transmitting scientific knowledge to practice and vice versa, p…
Das Verhältnis von Theorie und Praxis ist spannungsvoll. Aus Sicht der in der Erwachsenenbildung Tätigen erscheinen Theorien häufig unbrauchbar, weil sie zu abstrakt und praxisfern wirken. Hier baut der Studientext eine Brücke. Der Autor zeigt in seiner vollständig aktualisierten und erweiterten 3. Auflage verschiedene in der Erwachsenenbildung gängige Theorieansätze auf, verortet sie hinsichtlich Herkunft und Reichweite und verweist auf ihre Bedeutung für die Planung und Gestaltung von Bildun…
