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This paper brings together some key concepts and proposes a conceptual framework for understanding and evaluating determinants of learning outcomes. The framework facilitates the process of theorizing and hypothesizing on the relationships and processes concerning lifelong learning as well as their antecedents and consequences. The specific aims are to outline a general approach for evaluating learning outcomes, identify data gaps within this approach, and discuss some of the implications for research and development. Along with more specific frameworks, this general approach can be used to guide policy relevant research in education. In particular, it can be used to inform efforts aimed at establishing a coherent information system on the impact of lifelong learning on both economy and society. © Springer 2006.

The purpose of this article is to present the latest Education Lending Policy (ELP) of the European Investment Bank (EIB), adopted by the Board of Governors in 2008. It is structured in two parts. The first briefly presents the EIB in general and the evolution of its education lending portfolio in particular. This sets the stage for the second part of the article, which reproduces the Bank's new ELP--only the second such formal education sector policy statement adopted by the institution to date.

Judging by their literacy proficiency scores, Nordic countries stand out from others. Their consistently high scores are intriguing and make their populations interesting benchmarks for other countries that participated in the International Adult Literacy Survey. This article addresses the question of whether there are any specific "Nordic" ways of planning and implementing adult education policies. Are there any features that define a common approach to adult education, one that sets the Nordic countries apart from other advanced regions in Europe and North America? Beyond the general pattern, specific sub-groups of the population are explored, and especially the groups "at-risk", i.e. those that score low on literacy proficiency scales, have the least education, are old or unemployed. All Nordic countries are included in the analysis: Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden participated in the original IALS survey, whereas Iceland collected comparable data on adult education participation in a separate survey. That Nordic countries have a comparatively high level of participation in adult education is a fact that leaves no room for discussion. However, if not only the rate of participation but also volume is considered then the Nordic countries appear more similar to others. What sets the Nordic countries apart is the level of public support for adult education for the low-skilled population. More generally, it would seem that public support for disadvantaged groups is the main defining characteristic of Nordic countries.

Describes the challenges that research and statistical systems are faced with in the education sector. Argues these consequences are the result of decisions made for economically advanced countries to adopt a lifelong learning framework and strategy in response to the move toward the new global economy. (CAJ)

The seven chapters of this theme issue present a state-of-the-art review of research studies into the effectiveness of economic and labor market results of continuing education. Substantive results and research methodology are examined in these examples of effectiveness research. Conceptual and methodological diversity characterize these studies. (SLD)

A path model of lifelong education was developed using longitudinal data from a cohort of 671 Swedish men. Instead of a reduced gap between initially poorly and well-educated people, a cycle of accumulation exists, in which the quality of earlier educational experience predicts the quality and quantity of subsequent participation in adult education. (SK)

Discusses recurrent education as an educational objective. Includes functions, models, policy dimensions, and policy dilemmas. Suggests that progress includes extension of conventional adult education programs to a wider clientele, expansion of upper secondary education, increased localization of programs, and an increase in policy relevance in reforming and planning future education. (DK)

Reviews Sweden's national development strategy that strives for full employment. Discusses the implications of job training in internal labor markets for the Rehn-Meidner model of economic stabilization. (SK)

Estimates the influences of home background and formal schooling on adult intelligence quotients using the LISREL computer program and longitudinal data collected in Sweden for 671 men. Shows the importance of formal schooling in increasing the intellectual capital of a nation and highlights policy and practice implications. (SLD)

Analysis of Swedish higher education according to a variety of efficiency and quality criteria and in comparison with other systems shows this liberal, unified system with open enrollment reaches an internationally acceptable standard of output relative to cost, indicating that democratization has not resulted in lowered quality as critics suggest. (Author/MSE)

If the first step on the path through adult life -- from education to employment -- is unsuccessful, it is probable that all subsequent transitions between jobs, and in and [...]

The commitment to life-long learning calls for the strengthening of the foundations for a learning career. It requires the improvement of access to, and the quality of, education in early [...]

Findings from a Swedish longitudinal study of 834 men indicate that acquired level of youth education functions as a socioeconomic stratifier through its effects on occupational status and earnings at the age of 30, 35, 43, and 52. Adult education appears to reinforce the effects of youth education on occupational status from age 35 to 52. (Author/TE)

Factors influencing 834 Swedish men to participate in organized adult education programs on a life-long basis were studied. Indicators of social origins, cognitive ability, formal youth education, occupational status, job satisfaction, and attitudes toward education collectively explained little of the variation in participation. Factors possibly influencing participation are discussed. (SLD)