Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published online 2012-5
Adult Participation in Education in South-Eastern Europe: An Elaboration on the Study Report for the Assessment of the Impact of Ongoing Reforms in Education and Training on the Adult Learning Sector
This article reflects on the findings of the Research voor Beleid (RvB) study for the second phase of the assessment of the ‘Impact of ongoing reforms in education and training on adult learning sector’ (2010), with particular focus on adult participation in education in three EU Member States in south-eastern Europe (Bulgaria, Cyprus and Greece). Based on generic quantitative appreciation from Eurostat that is largely supported by the qualitative results of the RvB study, the article provides an insight into the structural and policy peculiarities in developing and promoting adult education in three countries, arguing that barriers to participation in south-eastern EU Member States relates more to cultural, structural and socio-economic aspects rather than policy inadequacies.
BroekS. D.BuiskoolB. J.HakeB. (2010) Impact of Ongoing Reforms in Education and Training on the Adult Learning Sector (2nd phase), Final report of the study financed by the European Commission DG EAC (EAC/15/2009), Zoetermeer: Research voor Beleid, http://ec.europa.eu/education/more-information/doc/2010/reforms.pdf.
2.
CEDEFOP (2009a) Vocational Education and Training in Europe: Country Report – Cyprus, Thessaloniki: CEDEFOP/Refernet.
3.
CEDEFOP (2009b) Vocational Education and Training in Europe: Country Report – Greece, Thessaloniki: CEDEFOP/Refernet.
CrossK. P. (1981) Adults as Learners: Increasing Participation and Facilitating learning, San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
6.
DimitrovaE. (2007) ‘Challenges and perspectives of the adult vocational training system in Bulgaria’, European Journal of Vocational Training, vol 41(2), pp. 29–42.
7.
European Commission (2006) ‘Communication from the Commission on adult learning: It is never too late to learn’, COM (2006) 614 final, Brussels: European Commission.
8.
European Commission (2007) Communication ‘Action Plan on adult learning: It is always a good time to learn’, COM (2007) 558 final, Brussels: European Commission.
9.
European Commission (2011) ‘Action plan on adult learning: Achievements and results 2008–2010’, Commission Staff Working Paper, Brussels: European Commission.
10.
GeiselmannC.TheessenJ. (2007) Adult Education and Education Policy in Bulgaria, Bonn: Institute for International Cooperation of the German Adult Education Association (dvv international).
11.
GHK and Research voor Beleid (2011a) Country Report on the Action Plan on Adult Learning: Bulgaria.
GHK (2010) Action Plan on Adult Learning 2007–2010 –Final report of the Adult Learning Working Group, London: GHK.
15.
GorardS.ReesG.FevreR. (1999) ‘Patterns of participation in lifelong learning: Do families make a difference?’, British Educational Research Journal, vol 25(4), pp. 517–532.
16.
PontB. (2004) ‘Improving access to and participation in adult learning in OECD countries’, European Journal of Education, vol 39(1), pp. 31–45.
17.
ScanlanC. L. (1986) Deterrents to Participation: An Adult Education Dilemma, Washington: National Center for Research in Vocational Education.
18.
UNESCO (2008a) CONFINTEA National Report for UNESCO – Bulgaria, Sofia: Ministry for Science and Education.
19.
UNESCO (2008b), CONFINTEA National Report for UNESCO – Cyprus, Nicosia: Ministry of Education and Culture.
20.
UNESCO (2008c) CONFINTEA National Report for UNESCO – Greece, Athens: Ministry of National Education/General Secretariat for Lifelong Learning.
21.
ZarifisG. K. (2008), ‘Bringing learning closer to home: The value and impact of the Lisbon strategy for strengthening the role of local learning centres and partnerships in south-eastern Europe’, International Journal of Lifelong Education, vol 27(6), pp. 641–657.
