Promoting quality in adult education: thecontribution of peer review

Authors

  • Sylvia Liuti FORMA.Azione srl
  • Chiara Marchetta FORMA.Azione srl

Keywords:

quality, peer review, lifelong learning, social inclusion, continuous improvement, coordination

Abstract

Thanks to the implementation of the ONE – Opening adult education Networks to European cooperation, Erasmus+ project, many CPIAs – Public Schools for Adults in Italy – have had the opportunity to learn quality evaluation through a European Peer Review methodology, updated and adapted to latest Lifelong Learning challenges, including social cohesion and inclusiveness for the most disadvantaged. Teachers who participated between 2022 and 2024 in the training sessions to become Peers and carry out reviews remain keen to be supported in continuous improvement. They have acquired not only knowledge of the methodology but also key transversal competences to readdress evaluation in adult education, confirming the importance of promoting a continuous improvement mentality that does not equate quality evaluation with formal judgements and control. This twofold approach, based on training Peers and carrying out Peer Reviews, requires a coordination body to support competence development and manage Peer Reviews among CPIAs.

Author Biographies

Sylvia Liuti, FORMA.Azione srl

Co-founder of FORMA.Azione and Director of European Projects since 2009, she acts as strategic coordinator, helping organisations lead and manage EU-funded partnerships.

With solid expertise in Quality Assurance systems, especially the European Peer Review methodology, she’s also built a strong focus on Gender Equality—a path shaped by her Executive Master as a Gender Equality Expert. Her work spans key areas like Validation of non-formal and informal learning (certified Validator) and Media and Information Literacy, making her a versatile and strategic force in European cooperation and social innovation.

Chiara Marchetta, FORMA.Azione srl

With over 15 years of experience in designing and managing EU-funded projects, her work focuses on empowering adults at risk of exclusion, strengthening capacity in networks, and promoting inclusive environments in education and the workplace. She brings deep expertise in Quality Assurance—particularly through the European Peer Review methodology and evaluation practices—and has been a certified Quality Management Systems Auditor since 2007.

References

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Published

2025-08-31

How to Cite

Liuti, S., & Marchetta, C. (2025). Promoting quality in adult education: thecontribution of peer review. Community Notebook. People, Education and Welfare in the Society 5.0, (2), 59–66. Retrieved from https://www.quadernidicomunita.it/index.php/qdc/article/view/346