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Self-Directed Learning Centres
Project | Self-directed learning centres |
Time period | Since 1993 |
Financed by | Ministry of Education |
Contact | Urška Pavlič T: +386 1 5842 581 |
AIM
At the Self-Directed Learning Centres (SDLC), adults can acquire, consolidate and improve their knowledge independently. To support the independent learning process, professionally trained counsellors help the participants select their learning materials and learning methods. The SDLCs offer materials for independent learning, modern learning technologies and the professional and guidance support of the SDLC staff.
OBJECTIVES
The underlying objectives of the SDLCs are:
- To ensure the possibility of non-formal education by providing free organised independent learning to the widest possible range of people;
- To spread the culture of independent learning and increase the level of education within the population;
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- To encourage and motivate individuals to learn (acquire new knowledge, consolidate old knowledge and spread the importance of lifelong learning);
- To meet the needs of adult learners (accessibility, free choice of content and sources, free choice of schedule and speed of learning), while paying special attention to those who are prevented from joining organised forms of learning due to physical or time barriers, who are better suited to independent learning using ICT technologies and who cannot access other forms of learning due to financial barriers;
- To prepare learning material and materials for independent learning and to constantly improve educational programmes.
DESCRIPTION
The Self-directed learning centres (SDLC) are aimed at all adults who cannot access or are not suited for traditional learning and education for any reason. The participants can use the SDLCs for free, as they are financed by the Ministry of Education.
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The SIAE started developing organised self-learning in 1993 with the aim of establishing and spreading the culture of organised self-learning in Slovenia. Today, the SDLCs can be found all across Slovenia. In 2020, 40 centres and 2 branches at the AEC Velenje (in Nazarje and Šoštanj) were part of the SDLC network, allowing participants to consolidate and acquire knowledge independently and for free through the support of professional SDLC staff.
The Slovenian Institute for Adult Education provides professional support to the SDLC network, maintains and updates the SDLC portal and monitors SDLC operation using the SDLC computer application. The activities of the SDLCs who reach the criteria set in Rules on norms and standards for funding and provision of public service in adult education (Uradni list RS, št. 180/20) are co-financed by the Ministry of Education.
With regard to guidance in self-directed learning, the adult education counsellor offers adults professional and guidance support within the framework of organised self-directed learning. Professional and guidance support encompasses (Guidelines for implementing adult education guidance as a public Service, 2020):
- identifying the interests, learning needs and level of prior knowledge of adults in a particular content or area;
- planning and monitoring the individual learning of adults in self-directed learning;
- motivating, encouraging and empowering adults for self-directed learning;
- using materials, educational resources and technology in self-directed learning;
- sharing knowledge about learning and the methods and techniques of learning;
- guiding the learning process;
- monitoring the learning progress of adults.
ACTIVITIES
- Professional and guidance support within the SDLC network;
- Quality assurance, development and evaluation of SDLC operation;
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- Planning, development, updating and implementation of the basic training and improvement programmes;
- Development and editing of learning materials, the portal, the application, joint documentation and databases on SDLC operation and the activities within organised self-learning.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
From 2021 onwards the Self-directed learning centres are a part of the public service, therefore their key achievements are published in the annual Monitoring Reports (published in Slovenian language in the Digital Reading Room).
Read more about Self-directed learning centres in Guidelines for implementing adult education guidance as a public Service and the report Recommendations for updating the SDLC model and the Learning Exchange (LE) model.
National:
Evaluation of the programme Comprehensive support for businesses to encourage active aging of the work force (2017–2020)Lifelong learning of adults for sustainable development and digital breakthrough (2021–2023)Financial Literacy for Adults (2022–2024)Green Quality LogoLifelong Learning WeeksStudy CirclesQuality counsellorsProfessional Support in the Field of Adult EducationSelf-Directed Learning CentresAdult Education Guidance CentresDevelopment of Approaches to Adult Education Trainings and SeminarsProject Learning for Young AdultsOffering Quality Education to AdultsElementary School for AdultsImplementation and Monitoring of Adult Education Training ProgrammesEducation for Sustainable DevelopmentExpert External Evaluation