This book analyses the cultural factors that influence the characteristics, behaviour and thinking of adult learners from the perspective of psychology. It emphasizes the collective orientation of African cultures and the view of the self vis- à-vis interdependent relationships within a community. The chapters provide an introduction to the psychology of adult learning and address the following themes: characteristics of adult learning; lifespan development; human motivation and participation; learning styles; facilitating adult learning; and guidance and counselling of adult learners....

The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) published its second Global Report on Adult Learning and Education (GRALE 2) in 2013. Drawing on data and reports from 141 countries , GRALE 2 was the first international report to monitor progress in promoting adult learning and education (ALE) since countries adopted the 2009 Belém Framework for Action . The...

‘This glossary will support policymakers, researchers and practitioners involved in youth and adult education in Latin America and other Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries and can lead to a new way of developing youth and adult education in these countries,’ commented Arne Carlsen, Director of the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning.

A pioneer project has developed a Spanish and Portuguese glossary with new terms and concepts in lifelong learning. The glossary is intended to be used in youth and adult education in Latin America....

Adult education is now considered a mainstream academic discipline in several African countries, and its importance in today’s knowledge and “ideas” economies is growing steadily. It is provided by organisations such as public universities, training colleges, corporate universities and employers. The successful operation of educational organisations requires sound leadership and management. Management of Adult Education Organisations in Africa examines African perspectives of managerial leadership, highlighting the importance of management in the design and effective delivery of adult...

The Sixth International Conference on Adult Education (CONFINTEA VI) was held at in Belém do Pará, Brazil, from 1 to 4 December 2009. It was organised on behalf of UNESCO by the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning in partnership with the Ministry of Education of Brazil. A total of 1,125 participants from 144 countries attended, including 55 Ministers and Deputy Ministers and 16 Ambassadors and Permanent UNESCO Delegates. There were also representatives of UN agencies, inter-governmental organisations, non-governmental organisations and foundations, as well as learners’ associations. The...

What has happened in Latin America and the Caribbean in terms of education, and of adult learning and education (ALE) in particular, since CONFINTEA V (Hamburg, 1997)? Are there quantitative and qualitative advances in relation to the major tasks and challenges identified over a decade ago? Who are the new actors intervening in the field? Are renewed thinking and strategies in place? How has the expansion of modern Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) affected the field? What have been the lessons learned over the past decade? What are the main issues, trends, and challenges...

This paper summarizes developments in adult learning and education in the Arab States after CONFINTEA V. It includes a summary of trends and challenges that continue to face the region in implementing lifelong learning strategies.

The State and Development of Adult Learning and Education in the Arab States (PDF, 0.2 MB)

Available in Arabic: (PDF, 3,51) حالة وتطور تعلم وتعليم الكبار في الدول...

This regional report covers developments in adult learning and education (ALE) in the UNESCO region of Europe, North America and Israel , as reported by the Member States. It contributes to the Global Report on Adult Learning and Education (GRALE) for CONFINTEA V1 2009.

Download: The state and development of adult learning and education in Europe, North America and Israel (PDF; 0.3 MB)

This paper is the regional synthesis report for the Asia-Pacific Region, presented and considered at the Asia Pacific Regional Conference, 6-8 October 2008, Seoul, Republic of Korea. This was one of five regional preparatory conferences preceding the Sixth International Conference on Adult Education (CONFINTEA VI) to be held 19-22 May 2009 in Belem, Brazil. The theme of CONFINTEA VI is Living and Learning for a Viable Future – The Power of Adult Learning. This synthesis report has been prepared on the basis of national reports and other relevant materials on the development and state of...

This report on the development and state of adult learning and education (ALE) in Subsaharan Africa is necessarily framed within the context of global development and change and in particular with the policy agendas of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Education for All (EFA). The role of ALE is explicitly or implicitly addressed in these initiatives and this challenges the field to examine what has been done since CONFINTEA V to foster and develop democracy, communities, societies and human rights through adult learning. The report synthesises the Member State reports submitted...