Project
Erasmus+ project "Critical theory in adult education practice: empowerment for critical actions” - MIND
The Latvian Adult Education Association implements the Erasmus+ project “Critical theory in adult education practice: empowerment for critical actions” – MIND.
The aim of the project is to improve the competence of adult educators and learners in critical thinking in order to apply it in daily, professional and community life.
Project objectives:
- To develop a methodical model and a set of tools for the development of critical thinking, which could be used in different environments and contexts of adult education;
- To give an opportunity to practice critical thinking and improve digital skills in adult education organizations and communities;
- Promote teaching and learning of critical thinking through WebQuests.
- Share project results and lessons learned in partnership, local communities and internationally through peer learning, face-to-face communication, websites, newsletters, social networks.
- Develop recommendations for adult education policy.
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Project results
This study is a systematic review of the landscape of adult education, performed through non-formal teaching strategies, with the objective of enhancing critical thinking (CT) skills and dispositions.
Executive Report on Adult Education Programs and Documents
Executive report on adult education programs and documents looks at: 1) International documents, 2) National legislation, 3) Training programs and projects.
Analysis of international documents provides a general overview of the current political thinking on European and global political level on the issue of critical thinking and importance of its development in the society and on the role of adult education in this respect.
Analysis of the National legislation provides a picture of how politicians at National level reflect the issue of critical thinking and how they transform the ideas into actions.
Analysis of programs and projects provides concrete information and ideas for designing a universal model for CT development among adults in non-formal education.
The Model Framework is intended for non-formal adult education staff, teachers, trainers, and adult education program developers who wish to develop and enhance the critical thinking skills of diverse groups of adult learners. It reflects the process of developing critical thinking, which is a comprehensive, sequential but not closed and completely finished process.
Programme for Adult Educators for Development of Critical Thinking in Non-Formal Education
The programme aims to provide clear methodological guidelines for the development of critical thinking among various adult groups and to model its process by providing concrete steps for the implementation.
Toolkit Tools for Development of Critical Thinking in Non – Formal Education link
The methodical tool set will be useful for adult education program managers, non-formal educators, lecturers and adult educators for including critical thinking approach in their own programs.
The methodical tool set is structured according to the topics and tasks of the five modules of the Program.
MIND Digital Learning Platform
This platform was developed as part of the MIND project, aiming to support young people and adult learners in developing critical thinking, media literacy, and democratic awareness.
The digital MIND platform transforms the project’s key content into engaging learning modules. These modules are designed for self-directed learning, making it easy to explore important topics at your own pace—whether you’re a teacher, youth worker, student, or curious learner.
MIND: Recommendations for Adult Education Policy Makers
Promoting Critical Thinking in Non-Formal Adult Education
They advocate for embedding CT in adult learning strategies, funding schemes, educator training, and community-based programmes. They build on research, piloting, and reflection activities in the project and are structured according to three complementary levels of policy action:
- European level – strategic vision and policy alignment,
- National level – system integration, funding, and capacity building,
- Local and regional level – community engagement and inclusion.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or OeAD-GmbH. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. Project N° 2023-1-LT01-KA220-ADU-
