Thematic sessions

Learning and Wellbeing at Work

Organisers: Soila Lemmetty (University of Eastern Finland), Heta Rintala (HAMK), Katja Vähäsantanen (HAMK), Sara Keronen (University of Eastern Finland), Katja Köykkä (University of Eastern Finland)

Description:
As working life continues to evolve employees are required to engage in continuous learning at work. Learning that occurs through formal training alone is not sufficient to sustain employees’ competence. Recent studies have also shown that workplace learning is not always motivating for individuals nor supportive of their wellbeing. Nevertheless, research on the relationship between workplace learning and wellbeing remains limited. There is a growing need for diverse approaches to workplace pedagogy, everyday learning practices, and the fostering of an engaged and motivated attitude toward learning at work. We invite presentations for this thematic group addressing, for example, the topics:
• Learning in different work situations, environments, and career stages
• Outcomes, constraints, and support of workplace learning

Fostering Informal Learning in the Age of AI: Organisational Strategies, Learning Cultures, and the Future of Work

Organiser: Antje Barabasch (Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training, Switzerland)

Description:
In the context of rapid technological change and the growing influence of artificial intelligence, organizations face the challenge of enabling continuous and informal learning at work. This session explores how employers foster learning among employees who must adapt, upskill, or redefine their professional roles. The presentations address emerging learning cultures, digital self-learning opportunities, and collaborative learning practices. Central questions include how leadership supports informal learning, how different generations engage with new learning forms, and how SMEs can integrate learning into daily work. The session invites critical reflection on responsibility, motivation, and the evolving meaning of learning in contemporary workplaces.

Adult Education in the Longevity Society

Organiser: Juha Suoranta (Tampere University)

Description:
The thematic session examines adult education in the longevity society, a context shaped by rapidly aging populations in the Nordic countries and around the world: how extended late middle age and postdigital life transform learning, participation, and equity throughout life courses. The session invites papers on intergenerational and community learning, workplace transitions, later-life citizenship, migration and diversity, rural-urban inequalities, digital inclusion/exclusion (including health and data literacy), and political governance of adult education. Theoretical, empirical, and practice-based contributions are encouraged. The session emphasizes critical perspectives on justice and capability, questioning how adult education can turn longer, healthier lives into inclusive opportunities.

Language: Finnish/English

Labour Migration, Skills Transfer, and Skills Development

Organiser: Tarja Tikkanen (University of Stavanger, Norway)

Description:
This session explores labour migration in Nordic and international contexts from the perspectives of skills transfer between countries of origin and destination, and skills development and support for migrants in the destination countries, as well as how adult education and lifelong learning can foster inclusion, recognition, and justice for migrant workers in times of crisis. Labour migration enables transfer of skills across labour markets, posing both opportunities and challenges, also to the migrants themselves. Various support in terms of job skills recognition and development, but also social and governmental support, is often needed in this process, but not necessarily always available.

Higher Education Pedagogy

Organisers: Henna Vilppu (University of Turku), Hanna Nori (University of Turku), Mari Murtonen (University of Turku)

Description:
The thematic session of Higher Education Pedagogy welcomes presentations regarding higher education teaching, learning, and supervision across disciplinary boundaries. The aim of the thematic session is to increase research-based understanding and promote best practices in current themes of higher education pedagogy, such as inclusion and equity in learning, challenges in learning and teaching, learning processes, and development of scientific and critical thinking during studies. Topics related to teaching and supervision cover these themes from basic studies to postgraduate studies, and the professional development of teachers and supervisors. We also welcome papers on more societal perspectives on higher education.

Language: English or Finnish

Responsive Higher Education Pedagogies for the Caring Professions in the Time of Increased Migration

Organisers: Johanna Tigert (University of Turku), Anuleena Kimanen (University of Turku)

Description:
In the current time of increased global migration, it is crucial that professionals in fields that involve caring for other humans conduct themselves in ways that are responsive to the diversity among their clientele, be it cultural, linguistic, or world-view based. Higher education programs preparing professionals for these fields, including education, social work, and healthcare, must practice pedagogies that simultaneously demonstrate responsive orientations and practices and prepare the future professionals graduating from the programs to practice responsiveness in the field. This thematic session brings together a multidisciplinary group of scholars to examine these issues both theoretically and in practice.

Gender, Equality and Equity in Adult Education Research

Organisers: Outi Ylitapio-Mäntylä (University of Oulu), Annukka Jauhiainen (University of Turku)

Description:

Adult education is thought to provide equal learning opportunities for all. We challenge this starting point by providing a space in our thematic group to examine social, cultural, social and political structures from the perspectives of equality and non-discrimination. For example, gender, age, sexuality, ethnicity and socio-economic status define participation in adult education in different ways and reduce attachment to working life. The theme group discusses which factors limit or promote equality and non-discrimination in adult education. How can we increase justice in education and employment? How can we ensure equal participation? We invite research presentations to the theme group, which examine the structural and societal issues of adult education and training from the perspective of equality and non-discrimination. Theoretical, methodological or empirical presentations at different stages of the research process can be offered to the theme group.

Kuvaus suomeksi:

Sukupuoli, tasa-arvo ja yhdenvertaisuus aikuiskasvatuksen tutkimuksessa

Aikuiskoulutuksen on ajateltu tarjoavan tasa-arvoiset ja yhdenvertaiset oppimismahdollisuudet kaikille. Haastamme tämän lähtökohdan tarjoamalla teemaryhmässämme tilan tarkastella sosiaalisia, kulttuurisia, yhteiskunnallisia ja poliittisia rakenteita tasa-arvon ja yhdenvertaisuuden näkökulmista. Esimerkiksi sukupuoli, ikä, seksuaalisuus, etninen tausta ja sosioekonominen asema määrittävät eri tavoin koulutukseen osallistumista ja kaventavat työelämään kiinnittymistä. Teemaryhmässä pohditaan sitä, mitkä tekijät rajoittavat tai edistävät tasa-arvoa ja yhdenvertaisuutta aikuiskoulutuksessa. Miten voisimme lisätä oikeudenmukaisia käytäntöjä koulutuksessa ja työelämässä? Miten yhdenmukainen ja tasa-arvoinen osallisuus voidaan turvata? Kutsumme teemaryhmään tutkimusesitelmiä, jotka tarkastelevat aikuiskasvatuksen ja -koulutuksen rakenteellisia ja yhteiskunnallisia kysymyksiä tasa-arvon ja yhdenvertaisuuden näkökulmasta. Teemaryhmään voi tarjota tutkimusprosessin eri vaiheessa olevia teoreettisia, metodologisia tai empiirisiä esityksiä.

Language: English or Finnish

Adult Migrant Education in the Nordic Countries and Beyond

Organisers: Marina Prilutskaya (Nord University, Norway), Natallia Bahdanovich Hanssen (Nord University, Norway), Ruta Zabityte Andreassen (Nord University, Norway), Marte Monsen (Nord University and University of Inland, Norway)

Description:
Adult education for migrants and refugees is vital for integration, social cohesion, and economic growth in the Nordic and beyond. Many countries are streamlining their national policies and educational provision models in adult migrant education in response to the pressure to create a more time-efficient, flexible, and sustainable system for integrating adult migrants with various educational backgrounds into the labor market and society at large. This session invites discussion on current challenges and future directions in adult migrant education, offering a platform to explore pedagogical approaches grounded in the real-life needs of learners and educators across the Nordic and beyond.

Reflections on Qualitative Methodology in Adult Education Research

Organisers: Heli Mutanen (University of Eastern Finland), Päivi Siivonen (University of Turku)

Description:
Welcome to the Reflections on Qualitative Methodology in Adult Education Research thematic session. We welcome methodologically and/or empirically focused presentations related to diverse qualitative approaches: from (auto)biographic, life-history, (auto)ethnographic and discursive-narrative to artistic research. The aim is to increase multivoiced dialogue between different research approaches. We encourage reflections on the meaning of methodology in adult education research. Presentations may be held in English or Finnish.

Language: English or Finnish

Nordic Adult Education and AI: Policy, Methods, Theory, and Practice

Organisers: Hugo-Henrik Hachem (Linköping University, Sweden), Erik Nylander (Linköping University, Sweden)

Description:
While research at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and education has focused on schools and universities, adult education and learning (ALE) has only begun to engage with the opportunities and risks of learning, doing, and being with AI. This session invites reflections on AI-related policies, literacy, and capability development, alongside theory, philosophy, and practice in ALE. Contributions may address governance of learning data, the platformification of adult education, or the practical challenges of didactical design with AI tools in Nordic folkbildning and beyond. We especially welcome case studies on the deployment, interpretation, and reception of AI-aided training in folk high schools, study associations, archives, and public libraries, but are also open to groundwork and experiments in other formal and non-formal educational settings.

Adult Learning and Education in Correctional Settings

Organisers: Annika Krause (University of Oldenburg, Germany), Paula Alanen (Tampere University, Finland), Jens Borchert (Merseburg University of Applied Sciences, Germany)

Description:
This thematic session invites contributions that explore adult education within correctional settings as a field of research and practice. The session aims to frame discussions on how educational initiatives in prisons contribute to rehabilitation, empowerment, and reintegration, while also addressing systemic barriers and ethical challenges. Researchers are encouraged to present diverse perspectives on pedagogy, policy, and practice that illuminate the transformative potential of learning under confinement. By bringing together empirical studies, theoretical reflections, and comparative insights, the session seeks to foster a broad and inclusive dialogue on the role of adult education in criminal justice reform.

Language: English or Finnish

Understanding the Present in Light of the Past: Adults and the Use of History

Organisers:
Marjaana Puurtinen (University of Turku), Annukka Jauhiainen (University of Turku), Suvi Jokila (University of Turku), Jan Löfström (University of Turku)

Description:
History and historical accounts are part of adult lives in diverse ways. Adults interpret societal phenomena using their own personal histories as well as the wider historical accounts produced in public, academic and popular-history genres. This kind of historical consciousness of the past and its significance has been treated as both a collective phenomenon and individual endeavour. This session welcomes theoretical and empirical contributions of history in adult’s everyday life, education, and work. Topics may include, for example, adult education in history and social sciences, adult interpretations of the past, identity formation, literacy skills, or domain expertise.

Young Adults and Lifelong Learning in the Context of Polycrisis

Organisers: Sanna Aaltonen (University of Turku), Fateme Ghorbanpour (University of Turku)

Description:
This session seeks to provide a forum for discussing the links between youth studies, adult education, and the theme of the conference. Young adults’ relationship with education and lifelong learning is both instrumental and transformative, and therefore a subject of continuing interest to researchers. The current context of multiple crises further underscores the importance of understanding their hopes, needs, and concerns. We call for papers that address the notion of young adulthood, life-long learning, and polycrisis from various perspectives, including gender, class, or ethnicity, and critically explore the role of adult education in the changing world.

Sociology and Politics of Adult Education

Organisers: Heikki Kinnari (University of Helsinki), Hanna Laalo (University of Turku)

Description:
Nordic education is becoming functionally and structurally differentiated. It increasingly provides individuals with diverse and unequal opportunities for education and learning. The thematic group on the sociology of adult education and education policy invites researchers in social, comparative, and historical educational studies, as well as those studying education policy and governance. The group broadly addresses issues of equality in adult education and its societal connections, as well as the relationships between education, society, and the individual from various perspectives. Presentations in the thematic group may be given in Finnish or English.

Language: English or Finnish

Genealogy and Adult Education

Organiser: Ann-Sofie Klareld (Lund University, Sweden)

Description:
This session explores and problematises the role and relevance of adult education in relation to genealogy. Genealogy has long been an “important education tool for teaching a wide public the value of studying and preserving history” (Redmann, 1993, p. 127), and more recently education about genetic heritage (Bojs & Sjölund, 2016). Genealogy is an increasingly popular pastime activity that includes learning in many forms, from university courses to informal exchanges of knowledge. Several tv- and radio productions also educate adults about the practice and potential outcomes of family history research, and many handbooks are written on the subject.

Navigating Liminality – Adults’ Identity Re-/Formation in Times of Crisis

Organisers: Camilla Thunborg (Stockholm University), Malgorzata Malec Rawinski (Stockholm University)

Description:
The political debate in Europe today circles around different crises. The suggested thematic session elaborates on how adults form and reform their identities in these times. The session more specifically examines how adults navigate liminality and how that influences their identity formation and transformation. In our research, we have an ongoing interest in biographical learning and how adults form and transform their identities during transition. However, in times of crisis it seems like adults have to navigate liminality, i.e., forming practices to handle being in-between, which influences both how they form and reform who they are and what they become.

Adult Educational Practices and Principles for a Better Future and Hope

Organisers: Petri Salo (Åbo Akademi), Jenni Pätäri (Tampere University)

Description:
This theme group focuses particularly on Nordic popular (liberal) adult education and learning as well as non-formal education and informal learning taking place in diverse communities, associations and civic movements.
The theme group offers those concerned with the idea of sivistys (bildning, edification) an opportunity to reflect on education and hope in a time when democratic and ecological crises create an urgent need for diverse practices and principles of sivistys and adult education.
We invite participants to envision possible societal futures – both with and without popular adult education.

Nordic Perspectives on Adult education and Educational Transformation

Organisers: Hugo-Henrik Hachem (Linköping University, Sweden),  Vilhelmiina Harju (University of Helsinki, Finland), Erik Nylander (Linköping University, Sweden), and Päivi Siivonen (University of Turku, Finland)

Description:

This preconference brings together Nordic researchers interested in adult learning, lifelong education, and the transformation of work and learning in contemporary society. The event provides a forum for exchange between established scholars and emerging researchers, highlighting cross-national comparisons, theoretical developments, and empirical studies in adult learning and education.

Special attention will be given to the evolving research themes of PhD researchers focusing on Nordic adult education. The seminar includes a dedicated PhD workshop where doctoral candidates can present ongoing or planned research projects and receive constructive feedback from senior scholars. The preconference welcomes contributions from all Nordic countries and beyond and seeks to strengthen collaboration and dialogue in adult education research across the Nordics and beyond. Please send your abstract following the instructions in the abstract call. Abstract submission is open between 1.12.2025-16.1.2026. Presenters are also asked to submit their full papers (max.10 pages) by 15.4.2026.