Professionalization of the Field of Adult Education in Former Yugoslavia

Abstract

In this paper we discuss the professionalisation of adult education and learning in the territory of former Yugoslavia. The rationale behind the paper is based on the presumption that the process of professionalisation represents a reflection of social conditions, tradition, culture, development of higher education institutions, the scientific/knowledge base for a certain field on the main elements of the profession. Our aim is to critically discuss professionalisation in the field of adult education and learning with a threefold focus (on the profession, representing the sociological dimension, on professionalism, representing the philosophical/ethical dimension, and on professionalisation, representing the andragogical dimension). The findings indicate that in the territory of former Yugoslavia significant but insufficient progress has been made when it comes to shaping the field of professional practice and in the professional preparation of andragogues/adult educators at universities, including improvement in continuing professional development. On the other hand, when it comes to establishing professional associations, licensing, and the development of professional code(s) of ethics, the process of professionalisation has been very moderate and slow.