08.12.2022

Transformative learning and values: conclusions from a very successful annual theme 2022

EAEA is happy to present its background paper on the annual theme 2022 on transformative learning and value. This year’s theme was a voyage into new waters, a search and exploration of possibilities, partnerships, and perspectives, and most importantly, a journey to the heart of adult learning and education.

Download our background report here.

Throughout 2022, EAEA together with its members looked into the concept of transformative learning and its increasing relevance as Europe recovers from a global pandemic and faces an energy crisis, against a background of ambitious objectives of a digital and green transition. The mounting global and regional challenges have also led us to question the role of adult learning as a sector, and the values that adult learning is promoting or should promote to foster change.

Adult learning and education can support adults in the process of transformation by providing a space for self-reflection and dialogue with others; it can also develop critical awareness and autonomy. While transformation and transformative learning can be challenging – for learning providers and learners alike – it opens up new horizons. In a very practical manner of speaking, this annual theme has also allowed EAEA to reach out to new stakeholders, broaden our networks, and enlarge our own horizons. 

Drawing on the many insights into transformative learning and values that we gathered and collected in 2022, we developed several recommendations:

Policy-making level

  • Create an enabling environment for transformative learning: Promote strong structures for ALE at the national and regional levels, and provide better financing for ALE
  • Promote civil dialogue and the inclusion of the learners’ voice in policy making
  • Promote policy coherence at all political levels
  • Promote a holistic vision of adult learning in funding instruments, especially in the Erasmus+ programme and in the Individual Learning Accounts

Practice level

  • Give learners a voice
  • Reach out to new stakeholders
  • Build networks and partnerships for transformative learning at the local and regional levels

Research

  • Connect the dots on transformative learning
  • Promote research into the impact of transformative learning
  • Help develop methods for transformative learning

Text: EAEAPhotos: EAEA

27.11.2023 cooperation

Connecting research, policy and practice: a new collaboration brings EAEA and ESREA closer together

A memorandum of understanding, signed last summer by EAEA and the European Society for Research on the Education of Adults (ESREA), aims to strengthen the collaboration between the two organisations. EAEA’s Gina Ebner and ESREA’s Marcella Milana reflect on the past and future activities that brought both networks closer.

21.11.2023 advocacy

We need skills for the labour market - and beyond!

EAEA welcomes the great interest that the European Year of Skills (EYS) has brought to skills and ALE, as we believe that this area is of enormous importance for the future of Europe. Six months into the thematic year, it is time to take stock, shedding light on the connection between skills and work – and looking at how we can go beyond skills for the labour market.

30.10.2023 EAEA Grundtvig Award 2023

Sustainable agriculture and women's empowerment in Armenia

In the picturesque regions of Shirak and Gegharkunik in Armenia, an initiative was born with a clear mission: to enhance the economic well-being of local women. While focusing on economic empowerment it has also sparked a green revolution in the community. This project has earned itself the 2023 EAEA Grundtvig Award in the national category for adult learning and the green transition.