The basis of methodology for our survey is based on the German Learning Map, which is based on national samples. In this method scholars examine the connections between regional development and learning activities along four dimensions. These four dimensions are: learning in a formal school system, vocational training, individual personal learning, and learning in a community. Our team deals with research into personal learning (Persönliches Lernen). The team has defined it as a dimension of informal and general non-formal learning, which is different from formal learning systems and professional non-formal learning, or vocational training. These dimensions have been examined in other international researches as well with variation (e.g. Composite Learning Index (CLI) – Canada, European Lifelong Learning Indicators (ELLI) – based in Germany, etc), based on the findings of which we have expanded the dimensions of the German Learning Map and have formed the dimensions that can be investigated in Hungary. Our sources include works of international scholars such as Peter Jarvis, Jaques Delors, Janette Griffin, Lynda Kelly, Judith Van Evra, George Comstock and others. In the framework of the poster show, relying on our empirical research results I wish to present the connection that can be detected between personal learning and the state of socio-economic development of a region. During our research we have examined connections in the following four fields with the help of statistics: - general purpose trainings, - participation in culture (community culture, library, museum, etc.), - (amateur) sports activities, - and personal learning with the help of media tools (including primarily mass communication and the Internet). Apart from this, we have also examined the opportunities for and support of personal learning in institutions of the above lines. To do so we have selected accredited adult education institutions, community cultural institutions, music schools, tourist clubs, and local cable studios in the Northern Great Plain region. 30% of the 680 organizations sampled have been assessed through a standard questionnaire and we have processed the findings with statistical analyses.

In the framework of our research we have found 680 institutions in the Northern Great Plain region of Hungary of the most disadvantageous economic-social situation which meet the research criteria. We have examined 30% of these institutions, 204 of them, including adult education institutions, cultural institutions, music schools, local cable studios, and tourist clubs. We have examined the options for, system of assets and programs of personal learning in these institutions and the opinion of experts managing these institutions on how their unit can contribute to the development of their region. Through the findings we wish to prove that in disadvantageous regions, thus in the region under survey, too, the development of human resources is one of the most important ways out of backwardness. We present five case studies of our findings where the examined institutions contribute greatly to the continuous development of the disadvantageous region. This way our basic research has a point of connection with applied research through these best practices.