SDM611: International Trends in Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning – Comparing Systems and Practices

This Module aims at engaging students in a comparative in-depth review and reflection upon the main policy developments and challenges on Lifelong Learning (LLL) at global level, with emphasis on continuing and adult education. The first sessions focus on major policy documents of the European Union (EU) during the last decade, which have an impact on the field of Adult and Continuing Education and on LLL. Particular emphasis is placed on the ideological, political, social, economic and cultural aspects (e.g. neoliberalism, globalization, economic crisis, migration, inequalities, etc) that shape the political discourse and actions both at the level of EU and at national level (focusing on the cases of UK and Sweden) in relation to established frameworks and educational patrimonies and the role of influential non-state actors (e.g. European Commission, UNESCO, OECD). The sessions that follow focus on a comparative yet context-sensitive analysis of trends in the field of LLL in various countries/regions/continents of the world (e.g. Japan, China, Africa, Canada). By the end of the module the students will have developed in-depth knowledge and understanding of the major trends in the field of LLL internationally, with emphasis on continuing and adult education. Students will be able to use relevant studies and data in analyzing and discussing challenges shaping these trends, and evaluating policy responses to these challenges from a multi-cultural perspective.