LLinE Lifelong Learning in Europe

Editorial: Ten years from theory to practice

Our journal is now 10 years old. Editing it has been a great privilege. Reading hundreds of theoretical articles and practical experiments and solutions in adult and continuing education has really been a good opportunity for me to learn as a director in continuing education. We have welcomed articles on successful undertakings in the field, future developments and changes. The range of writings has been from training and development in enterprises to liberal adult education in all parts of Europe.

The issue you are holding examines the present situation in the field of adult education and lifelong learning, analyses some future trends, and gives examples of good practice. In several articles, the situation of the low-skilled workers and the provision of learning for them are analysed. And, as is the mission of the journal, also the situation in research is examined, principles of good practice, the focus and development of it, as well as the mission, focus and coherence of the field itself.

The central message of this anniversary issue is that even though the educational level of the population and the quantity of adult education have over the decades significantly risen, many problems still remain the same. Participation in education is accumulative, like the use of alcohol. Some twenty percent of the people use eighty percent of the provision.

The ever-young members of our editorial board, Peter Jarvis and Jozsef Katus are examples of the human ability to learn even after retirement, to create and continue to design a better world. A good example of this is the article by Peter Jarvis in this issue. He reflects in his stimulating way different utopias and comes to the conclusion that it is not only transformation that we desire but also transcendence, and in education, relation with others is essential.

* * *

The most gratifying memories over the ten years of editorial work in the journal rise from cooperation with both the international and national editorial board. Part of the international board has been with us since the beginning. Most of them attended nearly every meeting, without compensation. What makes busy, distinguished professionals engaged in many activities and drawn to many directions devote several days to planning our journal? One reason may be a belief in the importance of adult education and the opportunity to create, without preconceptions, a new type of a journal attempting to combine theory and everyday practice.

One of the goals of the journal has been to form and join networks with European adult education networks. EADL, EAEA, EDEN, EUCEN, ESVA and NIACE have chosen an expert member to join our editorial board. They have contributed to the ideas, practices and contents of the journal.

The editorial manager of the journal Eeva Siirala has over the ten years professionally carried out the plans we have together produced. She has acquired articles and looked for worthy projects, edited texts and the English language from different parts of Europe, a job that exceeds normal editor’s work.

Without the financial support of the Finnish Ministry of Science and Education, we would not have been able to produce the journal as it is now. We extend our special thanks to Ms. Marita Savola, the Director of the Adult Education Department.

It has been a great privilege to be able to work with representatives of strong European adult education organisations. A heart-felt thank-you to all of you who have participated in the production of the journal!



Professor Kauko Hämäläinen, Editor-in-Chief
Director of University of Helsinki Palmenia Centre for Continuing Education