Focus Topics

In the Focus Topic section, we briefly discuss how developments in society and the world of work might in the future influence adult learning. We formulate perspectives and ask questions that prompt the various actors in adult education to reflect on their own role in the transformation process. The contributions refer to the current focus topic of the Think Tank.

Current Focus Topic

Polarisation is evident not only in political debates. It also affects working environments, life courses, access to knowledge, and how we engage with new technologies. Adult learning and education can provide spaces where people can understand different perspectives, address controversial issues, and continue to engage in dialogue. However, it can also reproduce or reinforce existing dividing lines. In this focus topic, ‘Polarisation and social cohesion’, the TRANSIT think tank explores how social groups, experiences and patterns of interpretation are drifting apart, and the role of adult learning and education in this process.

Past Focus Topics

Future skills are skills that are likely to become particularly important in the future in various areas of life. They should enable individuals to deal with the demands of a changing world and to actively shape the future. Future skills are likely to contribute to solving societal problems, responding to developments, finding new ways of living, and performing new work tasks effectively. The TRANSIT think tank will now devote a good year to this topic.

Flexibilisation is a development towards increasing openness and mobility. It is associated with a dissolution of traditional spatial, temporal or organisational boundaries. In addition, flexibilisation is associated with increasing individualisation, which can be understood as the individual’s transition from external to self-determination. Individually experienced meaningfulness and the imperative to shape, for example, one’s personal life course, characterise flexibilised societies.

Be part of the Discussion

Are you interested in our topics and do you have suggestions on which aspects and questions TRANSIT should pursue? We look forward to your input and ideas.