New Perspectives on Adult Education: Innovative Ways to Teach and Learn

Teaching adults requires approaches that are engaging, practical, and connected to learners’ real-life experiences. As adult education continues to evolve, educators need methods that encourage active participation, collaboration, critical thinking, and learner autonomy. The course “Innovative Teaching Methods for Adult Education Staff” introduced participants to a range of practical approaches and digital tools designed to make adult learning more interactive, meaningful, and learner-centred.

The new edition of the course took place in Palermo, Italy, from 13 to 19 September 2026, bringing together five participants from Marijampolės Petro Kriaučiūno viešoji biblioteka in Lithuania: Jūratė, Vaida, Daiva, Eglė and Laurynas.

The course began by exploring the foundations of adult education, with participants reflecting on their own experiences, identifying their needs and expectations, and discussing the motivations and barriers that can influence adult learners. This provided a basis for understanding how teaching approaches can be adapted to different learners and educational contexts.

Throughout the week, participants explored a variety of non-formal and learner-centred approaches, with a strong emphasis on active participation, collaboration, peer learning, and learning through experience. They experimented with practical activities that encourage learners to share their knowledge, learn from one another, provide feedback, and take greater responsibility for their own learning.

Project-Based Learning (PBL) was another important focus of the course. Participants explored how learning can be organised around meaningful, real-world challenges and how projects can encourage adults to collaborate, solve problems, apply knowledge in practice, and develop greater autonomy. They also worked on developing project ideas and considering how these approaches could be adapted to their own educational settings.

The course also introduced participants to ICT tools and digital applications for adult education. Through hands-on activities, they explored ways of using technology to create interactive learning materials, increase participation, and support assessment. Rather than focusing only on the technical aspects of digital tools, the sessions encouraged participants to consider how technology can respond to specific learning needs and enhance the learning experience.

Another key topic was Transformative Learning, focusing on the role of critical reflection, dialogue, and questioning existing assumptions in adult learning. Participants explored how learning can contribute not only to acquiring new knowledge and skills, but also to developing new perspectives and greater self-awareness.

Overall, the course combined theory, practical activities, digital tools, collaborative learning, and cultural exchange, giving participants new methods and ideas to apply in their own adult education contexts. The week concluded with a final evaluation and certification ceremony, leaving participants with new perspectives, practical tools, and connections for future European cooperation. 

Discover more about this course here