The 10th NAEL was held in Reykjavik, Iceland at the University of Iceland, and hosted by the School of education.

Theme: Shaping futures, empoweing lives: Lifelong learning at the heart of flourishing for individuals and societies

This conference serves as a vibrant meeting point for researchers, policy makers, organizational leaders, and other practitioners. Through a series of plenary sessions, paper presentations, roundtable discussions, and informal networking breaks, we will delve into the central role of lifelong learning and adult education to empower citizens to lead fulfilling lives, overcome challenges, and collectively foster resilient societies in the face of global challenges.

As we cast our gaze towards the future, we recognize that learning, humanity’s success strategy, will assume an even more central role in our daily lives, and all our lives. However, we must also acknowledge that adult education and learning have often been relegated to a remedial role, used to ‘fix’ issues rather than being integrated seamlessly into our everyday activities.

This conference is not just a gathering, but an opportunity for introspection and growth. It provides us with a unique opportunity to reflect on the insights gained by researchers and practitioners in the field, refine our methodologies, and chart new paths. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that the individuals and communities we serve are equipped with ample opportunities for lifelong learning.

Keynote speakers:

  • Ellen Boeren, Professor, University of Glasgow
  • Elisabeth Rees-Johnstone, Dr, University of Toronto
  • Jón Torfi Jónasson, Professor Emeritus, University of Iceland

 

Conference program

Day 1, 22 May

16.30
Registration

17.00
Opening and Keynote presentation Jón Torfi Jónasson: The intriguing, crucial, complex and fragile world of adult education

18.00-19.00 
Welcome reception

 

Day 2, 23 May

8.30-9.00
Registration

9.00-10.00
Keynote presentation: Ellen Boeren: Policy strategies to stimulate adult learning: insights from Europe

10.00-10.30
Coffee break

10.30-12.00
Parallel session:

  • Navigating Lifelong Learning Policies and Practices
  • Pedagogy for Global Sustainability: Insights from Adult Education Projects
  • Accreditation and Identity

12.00-13.00
Lunch

13.00-14.30
Parallel session:

  • Roundtable: Adult learning in the workplace - New educational frames and didactical approaches?
  • Cross-Nordic Perspectives: An Insight to Local Study Associations
  • The Microcosm of Learning: Communities of Practice in Contemporary Education

14.30-15.00
Coffee break

15.00-16:30
Parallel session

  • From Learning to Livelihood: The Role of Language in Immigrant Vocational Success
  • Creative Convergence: Fostering Skills for Tomorrow's World

16.30-17.00
General Assembly

19.00-23.00 Conference dinner

Day 3, 24 May

9.00-10.00
Keynote presentation lisabeth Rees-Johnstone The Interconnection of Adult Education, Lifelong Learning & Innovation

10.00-10.30
Coffee break

10.30-12.00
Parallel session:

  • Civic Engagement and adult education: Cultivating Democratic Values
  • Navigating Pedagogical Innovations: Strategies for Inclusive and Collaborative Learning
  • People's Future Lab and Global Network for Folk high school research

12.00-13.00
Lunch

13.00-14.30
Parallel session:

  • Exploring Communities in and of Practice
  • Unlocking Potential: Inclusive Education Strategies

14.30-15.00
Coffee break

15.00-16.00
Fishbowl discussion with keynotes

16.00-16.30
Closing ceremony

Organisation