Comparative Analysis of Adult Education Systems in Croatia and Germany

Abstract

In the current conditions of rapid and comprehensive changes in market and economic needs for knowledge and competencies, adult education is the foundation of modern society. The potential of adult education in modern conditions is noticed by international and European organizations and groups of experts who jointly develop strategies, goals and standards and create quality and effective adult education systems. Assuming that adult education systems are at least partially developed according to the same standards, this paper is based on a comparison of Croatian and German adult education systems according to criteria - legislation, adult education providers and programs, adult education funding, population involvement in programs of adult education and barriers to inclusion. The data were collected and analyzed using a qualitative methodological approach, specifically the method of content analysis, and the aim was to identify fundamental similarities and differences and to make justified conclusions and proposals for improving the state of adult education in selected countries.