Teaching Methods and Professional Teaching in Adult Education: Questioning the Memorandum’s Understanding of Professional Teaching

Abstract

The European Commission’s Memorandum on Lifelong Learning emphasises the development of innovative teaching methods as a crucial aspect for improving the quality of lifelong learning processes. This paper questions the close link between innovative teaching and learning methods and professional teaching. Based on the discussion about professionalisation in adult education, the paper emphasises the need for a more complex understanding of professional teaching in lifelong learning contexts. By analysing the findings of teaching and learning research, the chapter establishes that successful learning depends on a multitude of factors including aspects outside the range of the teacher’s influence. By referring to evaluation studies, the paper shows that the application of innovative teaching methods does not necessarily result in an improvement for learners. In fact, a professional attitude regarding the complexity of teaching and learning can be regarded as a promising basis for successful learning. Based on this analysis, the paper concludes that instead of “effectiveness of methods”, rather “adequacy of methods” is important for professional action in the field of adult education and learning.