Our main purpose in the activity we develop within the institute, is to conduct research and to publish books and materials regarding the field of adult education, to offer counselling services, documentation, communication and information services, professional counselling services regarding the psycho-pedagogical and managerial competences improvement of the practitioners in the field of adult education, essentially, the scientific and professional support needed for the improvement of the national continuing education system in our country, so that to compatibilize it with the international systems and practices for adult education.

Mission

A social actor that advances research and practice in the area of adult education in Romania and in Europe through supporting access to quality resources emerging from collaborative research & development practices and through proactive contributions to processes and products that aim to professionalize adult educators in Romania

Specific objectives

• To provide theoretical and methodological support for institutions engaged in adult education in Romania.
• To connect the work of academics  and practitioners in the field of AE through  participative and applied research and through development projects
• To initiate and engage in international partnerships focused on the development of AE and to promote the Romanian AE work abroad

IREA roles

• Interface between theoreticians and practitioners
• Platform for professionals working in adult education using a wide range of channels: publications (Journal, newsletter), annotated information resources, academic events and the database to be developed (contacts, legislation)
• Evaluator of resources
• Assesor of competences
• Advisor for policies for adult education and educators
• Consultant for organizational development
• Provider of training and development for competences specific for adult education

Research directions

The overall research aim is to improve the quality of the education for adults, and to identify ways to enhance their ongoing participation in learning, and also for strengthening the lifelong learning dimension both at individual and institutional level.
The main research directions within IREA are:

• professionalisation of adult educators – the concern is on developing the concept of initial and continuing professional development of adult educators and managers acting in adult education, and on offering alternative pathways to it;
• impact of new media on adult learning – with focus on setting up effective collaborative learning environments and communities;
• inter-generational learning and active aging;
• developing the concept for different supportservices offered to adult learners – e.g. counselling in adult education;
• innovative didactics and delivery;
• workplace learning and key competencies;
• adult basic education;
• social inclusion and active citizenship through education.

Target groups
Theoreticians and practitioners working in adult education:

• Teachers
• Trainers
• Educational project managers
• Instructors
• Counselors

Priorities

• Conduct research at national level, in order to diagnose the actual state of adult education in Romania and to put forward strategic frameworks for the evolution of Adult Education
• Promote a system for continuing professional development of adult educators, for enhancing their professional status
• Providing support for enhancing adult basic education in Romania
• Publish resource materials and reference books that examine issues of methodology and training in AE.