Challenging the 'European Area of Lifelong Learning'

This book critically reflects on the context in which lifelong learning policies and practices are organized in Europe with contributions of researchers and policy makers in the field. Through a critical lens the book reinterprets the core content of the messages that are conveyed by the European Commission in the “Memorandum for Lifelong Learning”, the most important policy document in the area, which after a decade from its publication still remains the vehicle for all current developments in lifelong learning in Europe. With references to research findings, proposed actions, and applications to immediate practice that have an added value for Europeans –but which either do not appear to correspond directly to what is stipulated by the European Commission, or are completely ignored as part of the lifelong learning process– the book offers an analytic and systematic outlook of the main challenges in creating the ‘European Area of Lifelong Learning’. In times as decisive as the ones we are going through today (both in social and economic terms), a critical perspective of the practices and policies adopted by the EU Member States is essential. The book follows the same structure as the Memorandum in order to debate and critically approach in separate sections the core issues that Europe faces today in relation to the idea of making a ‘European area of Lifelong Learning’. ​

• APEL-type systems
• Access to adult education
• Access to learning
• Bringing learning closer to home
• Developing counseling and guidance
• Educational research in teaching and learning
• European Area of Lifelong Learning
• Home-schooling
• Investment in learning
• LLP
• Lifelong Learning Programme
• Lifelong and life-wide learning
• Lifelong learning in Europe
• Lifelong learning policy
• Lifelong learning practice
• Memorandum for Lifelong Learning
• Self-directed learning
• Social and economic benefits from learning
• Universal and continuing access to learning
• Validation of learning

• Faculty of Philosophy, School of Philosophy and Education, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece

  George K. Zarifis

• School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Open University of Cyprus, Latsia, Cyprus

  Maria N. Gravani

Policies and ethics