Study on European terminology in adult learning and monitoring of the sector

The overall objective of this contract is to support the European Commission in monitoring and analysing the adult learning sector in Europe by improving the quality and comparability of data. In order to monitor the multiplicity of adult learning, reliable data are required. Compared with school- and higher education, data on adult learning are limited, not least because providers are dispersed, of different natures and often operate outside the public sector.

In addition, it is characterised by its diversity and by the ultimately voluntary nature of participation. Research and analysis are needed in making use of the statistics available and on improving the harmonisation of concepts and definitions.

The specific objective of this contract is therefore twofold:

(1) establish a European glossary on terminologies agreed by Member States used in the adult learning sector Europe-wide; and

(2) explore the feasibility of developing, on the basis of agreed definitions and terminology, a set of core data for monitoring the adult learning sector, which should be linked to the Council conclusions on Indicators and benchmarks.