About International Andragogical Symposium
On 16th and 17th of May 2013 Agency for Vocational Education and Training and Adult Education will be organizing an International Andragogical Symposium „Key competences and adult learning“. The objective of the symposium is to, together with professional and academic community, encourage discussion and reach conclusions regarding the concept, meaning, role and influence of key competences on design and implementation of adult education and learning programmes, by analysing it from different perspectives.
European parliament and the Council have recommended (Recommendation of the European parliament and the council of 18 December 2006 on key competences for lifelong learning, 2006/962/EC) that member states develop the provision of key competences for all as part of their lifelong learning strategies. Although competences are defined here as a combination of knowledge, skills and attitudes which young people should develop by the end of their initial education, it is stated that adults should be able to develop and update their key competences throughout their lives. The document has defined eight key competences: communication in the mother tongue, communication in foreign languages, mathematical competence and basic competences in science and technology, digital competence, learning to learn, social and civic competences, sense of initiative and entrepreneurship, and cultural awareness and expression. Since the reform of primary and secondary education is a process that is going to last, and certain number of generations of students will not completely acquire key competences for lifelong learning during their compulsory education, it will be necessary to provide everyone opportunity, including those who have completed their education before, to acquire them. (Guidelines for the education, science and technology strategy, MOSES, 2012) If we add to this data, from the 2001 census in Croatia, showing that 18,59% adults have not finished elementary school, motive and incentive for choosing this topic for the Symposium is clear.
Globalization, as well as economic crisis, has set many challenges before the whole world and European society, not leaving enough space for deeper analysis and consideration of further steps, demanding quick reaction and reforms of all educational systems on all their levels, including the adult education and learning system.
Through the „Europe 2020“ strategy, European union is trying to meaningfully meet these challenges, by identifying objectives and guidelines for future development. Within these guidelines, promotion and development of key competences has an integrative role for achieving set goals within the lifelong learning system, for each individual and within the whole European society.
European parliament and the Council have recommended (Recommendation of the European parliament and the council of 18 December 2006 on key competences for lifelong learning, 2006/962/EC) that member states develop the provision of key competences for all as part of their lifelong learning strategies. Although competences are defined here as a combination of knowledge, skills and attitudes which young people should develop by the end of their initial education, it is stated that adults should be able to develop and update their key competences throughout their lives. The document has defined eight key competences: communication in the mother tongue, communication in foreign languages, mathematical competence and basic competences in science and technology, digital competence, learning to learn, social and civic competences, sense of initiative and entrepreneurship, and cultural awareness and expression. Since the reform of primary and secondary education is a process that is going to last, and certain number of generations of students will not completely acquire key competences for lifelong learning during their compulsory education, it will be necessary to provide everyone opportunity, including those who have completed their education before, to acquire them. (Guidelines for the education, science and technology strategy, MOSES, 2012) If we add to this data, from the 2001 census in Croatia, showing that 18,59% adults have not finished elementary school, motive and incentive for choosing this topic for the Symposium is clear.
Globalization, as well as economic crisis, has set many challenges before the whole world and European society, not leaving enough space for deeper analysis and consideration of further steps, demanding quick reaction and reforms of all educational systems on all their levels, including the adult education and learning system.
Through the „Europe 2020“ strategy, European union is trying to meaningfully meet these challenges, by identifying objectives and guidelines for future development. Within these guidelines, promotion and development of key competences has an integrative role for achieving set goals within the lifelong learning system, for each individual and within the whole European society.
Main topics of the Symposium
Therefore, part of the symposium will focus on discussions regarding
Following the above, we believe that at the Symposium the ways and models for incorporation of key competences in adult education programmes and approaches which will meet the demands of all individuals, regardless of their previously acquired knowledge and skills, will be identified.
It is necessary not to forget that adult education teachers have one of key roles necessary for realization of the lifelong learning idea, because in their daily work they assist individuals to acquire new knowledge and skills. It is precisely because of that this topic calls for a need to identify common elements and key competences for working with adults – competences for andragogical activities.
Through two-day work international and domestic experts will give their professional and scientific contribution to the discussion through which a comprehensive review of present and future role of key competences in adult education and learning will be made. Successful international and domestic models will be presented as well as best European practice. Beside contribution to the whole andragogical community, creating of network, promotion of better cooperation, communication and connections between andragogical experts, one of key results will be making of a publication containing presented topics and conclusions from the Symposium.
- European policies and recommendations, European qualifications framework and its influence on national frameworks and educational systems
- Conclusions from CONFINTEA VI, with special focus on „Belem Framework for action“
- Key competences in adult basic education
- Relationship between vocational and key competences
- Role of key competences in higher education
- Etc.
Following the above, we believe that at the Symposium the ways and models for incorporation of key competences in adult education programmes and approaches which will meet the demands of all individuals, regardless of their previously acquired knowledge and skills, will be identified.
It is necessary not to forget that adult education teachers have one of key roles necessary for realization of the lifelong learning idea, because in their daily work they assist individuals to acquire new knowledge and skills. It is precisely because of that this topic calls for a need to identify common elements and key competences for working with adults – competences for andragogical activities.
Through two-day work international and domestic experts will give their professional and scientific contribution to the discussion through which a comprehensive review of present and future role of key competences in adult education and learning will be made. Successful international and domestic models will be presented as well as best European practice. Beside contribution to the whole andragogical community, creating of network, promotion of better cooperation, communication and connections between andragogical experts, one of key results will be making of a publication containing presented topics and conclusions from the Symposium.
Programme committee
Dijana Vican
Ivan Šutalo
Elena Rizova
Jurica Pavičić
Marija Pavkov
Nikša Alfirević
Mile Živčić
Mario Vučić
Nives Pokrajčić
Ivan Šutalo
Elena Rizova
Jurica Pavičić
Marija Pavkov
Nikša Alfirević
Mile Živčić
Mario Vučić
Nives Pokrajčić