51th Salzburg Talks for Principals in Adult Education

Since at least the mid-80s, a phenomenon of increasing globalization has been observed worldwide on different levels. We understand globalization as phenomena of the loss of power of nation states as well as a coming together of world regions that previously appeared to be widely separated, or the change from firmly established territories to networks guided by interests. However, globalization also means redefining political space and democratic participative structures. Current trends lead away from basic democratic ideals in the direction of governance and expert decisions.

Globalization, which is often spurred on by the forces of the market, has created a completely new terrain, for adult education. What does this mean for emancipatory education, for citizenship, for education and training as well as for adult education altogether?

The 2008 Salzburg Talks are dedicated to the analysis of globalization phenomena in terms of their relevance to adult education, and is particularly interested in examples of projects and reports.

We invite the submission of lectures/reports on the following (and similar) topics

• Policy analyses (commentaries on educational policy papers e.g. of the EU, UNESCO, OECD, country reports)
• New chances for supranational cooperation/networking. Coming together versus the loss of regionality?
• Social theoretical contributions (diagnosis, empiricism)
• Reports from the field: e.g. citizenship, political education, languages, global changes (e.g. climate change, health)
• Experiences with global comparability (EQF, NQF etc.)

The following schedule is planned for the 2008 Salzburg Talks

Sunday, July 6
8 p.m.: Opening of the 51st Salzburg Talks
Opening by the Association of Austrian Adult Education Centres (VÖV)
"The Current Situation of Adult Education in Austria"
Wilhelm Filla, Secretary General of VÖV, Vienna

Monday, July 7 Morning, keynote speech:
"Globalisation, internationalisation, localisation: what prospects for active citizenship and adult learning"
John Field, University of Stirling (UK), Director of Division of Academic Innovation and Continuing Education (DAICE), Deputy Principal and Co-Director of the Centre for Research in Lifelong Learning
Afternoon: Participants present papers on the theme of the Talks in parallel sub-groups/panels. It is possible to change sub-groups/panels during breaks.
Evening: 7 p.m. Panel discussion with members of the media and participants of the Talks on the topic of "What characterizes the new global citizen?"

Tuesday, July 8
Morning: Participants present papers on the theme of the Talks in parallel sub-groups/panels It is possible to change sub-groups/panels during breaks.
Afternoon: Participants present papers on the theme of the Talks in par-allel sub-groups/panels
Late afternoon/evening: Trip to the City of Salzburg #

Wednesday, July 9
Morning: Individual country reports – short contributions by participants
Afternoon: Excursion – boat trip on Wolfgangsee Lake and visit to the Federal Institute for Adult Education. #

Thursday, July 10
Morning: "The European Qualification Framework - Chances and Challenges for Adult Education"
Eva Cendon, Danube University Krems, Department for Continuing Education Research and Educational Management
Afternoon: Participants present papers on the theme of the Talks in parallel sub-groups/panels; conclusion of the Talks
Evening: Social gathering with music

Friday, July 11
Morning: Departure