Lifelong Learning

 

	This Project has been funded with support from the European Commission.  This communication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission can not be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

 

Introduction

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new lands, but in seeing with new eyes.” – Marcel Proust.

We have moved from an industrial age into an age of knowledge, with increasing emphasis on the ability to learn effectively, be flexible and adaptable to challenges of knowledge society. The ability to learn faster and better than others has become crucial for well being.
The sum of an individual's knowledge, skills and attitudes is her/his competence. Competence is a building block of knowledge, skills and attitudes that individuals acquire.

The pursuit of knowledge through lifelong learning—whether it’s learning how to speak a foreign language, write a letter, be responsible, start own business or improve the ability to communicate with your children—has benefits for people beyond improvement in employability or just increased competitiveness in the labour market.

Lifelong learning:

• Keeps your mind sharp;
• Improves memory;
• Increases self-confidence;
• Gives you a feeling of accomplishment;
• Helps you meet people who share your interests;
• Builds on skills you already have;
• Offers an opportunity to learn a new skill or trade and increase your income;
• Gives you a new interest that you can share with family and friends

This training module will help you to make your learning to learn skills strong and effective for navigating challenging world of lifelong learning.

Didactic Unit 1	Theme	Time
Lifelong learning	basic definitions: notion of LLL; participation in LLL across EU; national and EU policy context;	1 hour
	LLL for adults: formal and informal continuous learning;

The idea of lifelong learning is broad and covers the whole of an individual’s life (“from the cradle to the grave”). It includes all kinds of activities ranging from early childhood education to leisure education for the retired persons.

According to the European Union definition, "lifelong learning encompasses all purposeful learning activity, whether formal or informal, undertaken on an ongoing basis with the aim of improving knowledge, skills and competence".

 

Different types of learning: Formal learning is provided by education or training institutions, It leads to certification; Non-formal learning is not provided by an education or training institution and typically does not lead to certification. Informal learning results from daily activities related to work, family life or leisure. It is not structured and usually does not lead to certification.

Lifelong learning is considered as an important part of the EU Lisbon strategy according to which the European Union should become by 2010, the most competitive
and dynamic knowledge-based economic area in the world, as well as a more cohesive and inclusive society.

Politicians at European level have recognised that education and training are essential to the development and success of today's knowledge society and economy. The EU's strategy emphasises countries working together and learning from each other. EU member states have therefore strengthened their political cooperation. This has been done through the Education and Training 2010 work programme launched yet in 2001.

Reflect upon this...

Why lifelong learning has become so important today for successful life of people and even whole countries? Does lifelong learning require special skills and why?