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Workplan for Alfarådet 2026–2027

Introduction

The Nordic countries are highly digitalised and require high levels of digital competence. Limited literacy and limited proficiency in the country’s official language(s) constitute major barriers to participation in society and working life, as well as to the development of digital competence. High quality in adult education is a prerequisite for integration into society and participation in working life.
Alfarådet therefore focuses on basic literacy and second-language learning in this context. Alfarådet works to improve the quality of education for adult immigrants who need second-language learning and who, at the same time, need to develop basic literacy.

Priority areas

  • Nordic knowledge base on adult second-language learning and education in basic literacy, including digital literacy
  • Further development of practice in adult education in the Nordic countries for adults in need of literacy education, second-language learning
  • Cooperation between teachers, teacher educators and researchers in the Nordic countries
  • Attention and awareness-raising regarding the educational needs of adult immigrants with limited or interrupted schooling

Development of practice

Alfarådet addresses teachers, teacher educators and researchers in the Nordic countries. The council contributes to practice development, increased awareness and a stronger knowledge base related to education for this group of adult immigrants by strengthening cooperation between the Nordic countries.
Alfarådet’s competence description for teachers teaching adults in basic literacy, whose learners have mother tongue other than the Nordic languages, forms the basis for this work. The target group is learners who have another mother tongue than the Nordic languages.

In 2026–2027 we will:

  • Disseminate experiences and results from the working group’s activities through experience sharing for teachers, teacher educators and researchers via articles and webinars
  • Share research-based practice through webinars for teachers, teacher educators and researchers
  • Improve teachers’ access to relevant professional literature and research on adult second-language learning, literacy development, including digital competence on the NLL website
  • Explore and examine lifelong learning for the target group through study visits and experience sharing
  • Publish articles and reports with examples from educational practice
  • Coordinate efforts with NLL Digital Integration by participating in relevant meetings and webinars

Impact

  • A stronger shared Nordic knowledge base combining theory and practice
  • Strengthened cooperation between teachers, teacher educators and researchers
  • Increased awareness among education providers and other key stakeholders of educational needs and good practice
  • At least two webinars organised, the website updated with professional content for teachers, researchers and teacher educators, and at least two articles published

Nordic added value

Active participation in society and working life requires strong language skills, basic literacy and digital competencies. For adult immigrants who need second-language learning and the development of basic literacy, there are many barriers to active participation. Education for this target group requires highly competent teachers; however, this is a small field within research, teacher education and the education sector.
The initiatives of Alfarådet will strengthen the field through joint Nordic efforts focusing on knowledge development, practice development and awareness-raising.

Contact information