Invitation

Support for flexible and self-directed learning A Grundtvig Learning Partnership Conference October 6th to 9th 2009, Stockholm, Sweden

We have the pleasure to invite you to the 8th Grundtvig Learning Partnership Conference, in 2009 hosted by Sweden.

The Grundtvig Learning Partnerships bring together learners and tutors in adult education from all over Europe and gives an opportunity to learn from each other and to develop new approaches in adult learning.
 
The objective of the conference is to provide a forum where the participants can share experiences and innovative efforts in the Learning Partnerships and in adult learning, with a focus on different modes for support for disadvantaged learners.

Experiences from the Learning Partnerships will be the focus of the workshops. Recommendations from the workshops will be presented to the European Commission as input for the interim evaluation of the Lifelong Learning Programme, as well as to policymakers in Europe.

During the conference you will also have the opportunity to hear key note speeches from representatives of the European Commission and the Swedish Ministry of education.

Workshops

The conference offers three workshop sessions, with 6 parallel workshops. The themes of the workshops are:

1. "How do we reach disadvantaged learners?"
   Here we have the opportunity to discuss different outreach initiatives, i.e. cooperation with local communities/social service, guidance and counselling initiatives, and cooperation with media to address adults with fewer opportunities.
2. ”What can be done to prevent learners from giving up their studies? How do we support the individual learner in his or her learning process?”
   Here we can discuss initiatives in flexible learning modes, distance learning, involvement of public libraries in the support- and learning process, support for learners through learners’ organizations, NGO:s, churches, etc. as well as staff development to meet the needs for support of disadvantaged learners.
3. “What can be done to motivate learners to further raise their qualification levels, and to support re-entry and integration in society and in the labour market?”
   Here we can address questions like: How should information and guidance for further studies be organized? Which are the key factors for reintegration in society and in the labour market? as well as initiatives for cooperation between education providers and the labour market.  

Information on how to prepare for the workshops, and information to the presenters in the workshops will be distributed through the conference website.

More information

This web site will be updated with new information as the conference approaches. 

The conference venue is Hasseludden Yasuragi, a conference centre (and Japanese spa) in the archipelago near the centre of Stockholm: www.yasuragi.se

Please do not hesitate to contact us at the International Programme Office for questions or comments on the conference: Contact information

Looking forward to seeing you in Stockholm in October!

Mia, Kate and Nona
The International Programme Office for Education and Training