Experience and lifelong learning

The research field investigates how and under what conditions adults learn in different contexts, and what role their experience plays in the process. In the age of digital transformation, lifelong learning is essential to continuously update and develop competences. In this, non-formal and informal learning has an important value.

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Lifelong learning includes all forms of learning that contribute to the advancement of knowledge, skills, and competences on a personal, social and/or professional level. Much of this learning takes place in non-formal or informal contexts, for example in continuing education and training or work situations. One particular/major challenge is to identify and validate experiential learning outcomes so that these can officially be recognised.

In our research projects, we study different contexts and conditions of lifelong learning from a psychological-pedagogical perspective with qualitative as well as quantitative methods. In addition, we focus on questions concerning the recognition of prior learning.