Lifelong Learning as a Process - Essay Example

? LIFELONG LEARNING AFFILIATION: Lifelong Learning Introduction Gaining knowledge for individualsis important throughout their life. With each new experience they tend to gain new knowledge and learning about a particular matter or aspect. Knowledge is a necessity and a vital aspect of modern living. Knowledge can make wonders in the life of any individual if they implement their knowledge as and when require. Individuals tend to gain different learning throughout their life and it may always benefit them. Knowledge is one of the most precious wealth gained by any individual. Habits are part of the learning process as well, when an individual see some good habits they tend to adapt that habit and make it part of their life. Therefore the process of learning new things all along the path is a very common thing experienced by all individuals. What is lifelong learning? It is important for all individuals whether young or old to always keep the process of learning new things mandatory in their lives so as to remain up to date with the latest happenings that are taking place in the surroundings. The term lifelong learning can be defined as all the learning activities that take place in the life of an individual. Having continuous education is part of the lifelong learning process (Brenda and Osborne 2007). The process of being involved in learning new things at each stage of the life improves the decision making for individuals regarding different matters and also improves their level of options to choose from as they have an understanding of different options through their learning processes. The importance of education cannot be weighted in words as education shapes the present and future lives of any individual. How demographic and economic change have affected lifelong learning. There has been a huge and drastic changes being observed by the individuals all around the world. In fact as we know that the only constant thing that is taking place in the world is change. Everything is changing around us with time and we individuals need to adapt to the processes of change to remain successful in this world of such cut throat competition. The field of education is becoming more and more competitive with time (Brenda and Osborne 2007). Many new studies and dimensions are being constantly explored through research work. The processes of research take place in the life of an individual both at the personal level and the professional working level. Research work allows new paths to be explored about any situation and helps in deducing and deriving possible solutions. Now, if we observe there have been many different and unique educational fields of study invented that were not present before. Science has advanced tremendously and it requires that individual should be aware of all the new scientific technologies that are pertaining so that they can be benefitted by them. Science has drastically transformed the living styles and has facilitated human beings in making their work easier and luxurious. The present era requires with high skills and ambitions so that they can face the challenges of both work and life. For developing skills and expertise in any field, one needs to constantly focus upon developing themselves with the latest technology and techniques that are becoming available in the surrounding. Regardless of the field of education any individual belongs to, it is always wise to know about the different things surrounding the individual so that they are able to gain an advantage economically since the world is at a constant pace of promoting change (Field 2006). All individuals should focus upon becoming lifelong learners on an effective and efficient pace. The more they are able to grasp knowledge about various aspects, the more chances they have of becoming successful individuals both on a personal level and a professional level (Burbules and Torres 2000). Lifelong learning at times takes place without the individual being aware of the fact that they are learning something new and enhancing their skills in one way or the other. By having knowledge, the individuals can be in a more demanding stage from their employers, they can earn high, maintain a healthy and high living status and enjoy the luxuries of life as well (Usher and Edwards 2007). Living a luxurious life may be the aim of almost every individual, the path taken depicts whether the individual may be able to attain the level of luxury or not. Demographically The demographics of the population is transforming with time. It is important to be in the category of lifelong learners so as to match up with the societal living styles. They ins and outs of the communities may be changing according to the people who are running them. The knowledge of which things are considered as norms and which things are no more acceptable in the community requires an individual to be in the constant mode of learning. Demographic characteristics for individuals usually focus on the age, gender, living styles, likes and dislike of a certain population and other such factors. They need to be constantly monitored to be aware of the latest trends by the various individuals. How social change and the growth of ICT has affected lifelong learning. Every individual should focus upon the issues that they are surely living longer bit have they achieved their higher living status and are they running an improved living lifestyle. If not then they should aim for becoming aggressive and efficient lifelong learners to fill in the loop holes of their life. Lifelong learning tends to cater various different angles for an individual (Borg and Mayo 2005). Being a mature learned person may allow a lot of hard and sincere work and with full dedication and devotion. Learning may take place from getting to know the simple things to the complex ones over a gradual time period. Opportunities should be sought by individual that allows them to become more competent, more knowledgeable and lifelong learning process does just that. It allows the individual to experience personal growth and enrichment in performing their tasks and also thinking upon new and creative ideas in improving their work and lifestyle (Edwards 1997). Creativity at work tends to make the job more interesting and also more motivating to achieve the results. Information and communication technology (ICT) plays an important role in developing the lifelong learning processes for an individual. The education processes are enhanced with the help of ICT. Information and communication technology has developed the ability of lifelong learning development in the individuals. The field of providing education to students has been becoming digital with time. New teaching methods are being invented to teach the students using various means and modes. Multimedia teaching tool is one of the most recent innovations in the field of teaching students. Our social surroundings are developing with a rapid pace. Many cultures are transforming and so are societal values. Lifelong learning allows one to explore the differences in the cultural and societal values taking place in the surrounding. It allows the individual to think above the normal possibility and conduct their tasks according to requirements of the society. Lifelong learning and schools In school days, students are bound to study or rather enforced to study. They have to observe all the study material whatever is being sent their way through their teachers. In school days, the individual may not be that keen in learning more advanced knowledge about any particular subject. Students learn for the sake of learning and at this stage it is important for the teachers to instill the importance and necessity of having education. Education frames the personality for an individual and allows them to think beyond the obvious reasons (Knapper et al 2000). The most important advantage of lifelong learning is the individual gets to learn what they want and when they want to gain that learning. Lifelong learning is a process that needs to be carried out in a willing manner by the individual because no one can compel any individual to become a lifelong learner. If the students and other individuals develop the habit of self learning and also take this process as a fun process then they may develop the potential of doing wonders in life and make their lives interesting as well (Sutherland and Crowther 2006). Lifelong learning and work The individuals who have knowledge about wide number of fields and areas can develop a more confident personality and also be willing to take up the challenges and risk in lives. Nowadays, the elements of loyalty and seniority level at work does not assure the individual of success as being able to learn all the new things is important, staying up to date with the new ways of getting work done and implementing it successfully in the organisation is what assures the person of retaining their position in the organisation (Brenda and Osborne 2007). For job security purposes, individuals need to be in the process of lifelong learning. It is important for individuals to adept to those skills that are in demand and also maintain their new learning processes of skills so that they can be competitive in the work environment at all times. If individuals tend to ignore the new learning skills then they may have to expect some unlikely changes in their personal lives as well as their professional lives (OECD 2005). In today’s working lives, no one should take such risks as unemployment level is on the boom and risking one’s job may not be a wise option at such a stage. Some employees are provided with on the job training so that they can improve their skills in a particular field for the job. The attainment of training allows the employees to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the work processes that are being conducted by the employee. This learning may help the employee elsewhere when they switch their jobs or they move ahead in their careers (Preece 2006). Lifelong learning and family Lifelong learning is applicable in all the stages of an individual. It is equally important while running a family. Parenting is a very critical issue and one must be well prepared to deal with all types of challenges that may come by while in the process of parenting. All parents have to go through learning new things while they are bringing up their children. In the lifelong learning process parents also learn how to deal with their children when they are young, and when they go into their teenage phase and all along. Providing children with care and fulfilling their educational needs are very important and during the fulfillment of these phases a lot of new knowledge gained (Holford et al 1998). Lifelong learning and community The process of lifelong learning can enhance the development of the community of the individual. New learned skills allow the other members of any community to learn about them and imply it accordingly in their lives so that they can reap benefits of new knowledge as well. Listening well, comprehending well, ability to discuss situations, offering helping hands related to any concept can all be part of a lifelong learning process in the community. Any community needs qualified and skillful people so that many of the matter of the community can be resolved easily with innovation and creativity. Innovation and creativity is n important area where individuals gain more access while they are in the phase of lifelong learning phase (Lauridsen et al 1980). Conclusion The discussion above depicts that lifelong learning is a very important process that should be implemented in the lives of the individuals so that they can attain success. Being knowledgeable allows a person to discuss on many topics and give their views and opinions that may be highly worthwhile. Lifelong learning processes may take place at work and in the personal lives of individuals. It may take place within families and communities. Humans are not born with knowing everything. They start the process of learning once they come into the world and are acquainted with all types of things. References Borg, C., and Mayo P., (2005). The EU Memorandum on Lifelong Learning. Old wine in new bottles?, University of Malta, vol. 3, no.2, pp. 203-255. Brenda, Morgan-Klein and Osborne, Michael (2007). The concepts and practices of lifelong learning. Routledge. Burbules, N & Torres C., (2000). Globalization and Education: An Introduction, Routledge. P. 49. Field, John (2006). Lifelong learning and the new educational order. Trentham Books. Holford, John, Jarvis, Peter, and Griffin, Collin (1998). International Perspectives of Lifelong Learning. Routledge. Knapper, Christopher Cropley, A. J. (2000). Lifelong Learning in Higher Education. Routledge. Lauridsen, Kurt, and Whyte, Cassandra B. (1980). An Integrated Counseling and Learning Assistance Center.New Directions Sourcebook - Learning Assistance Centers, Jossey-Bass, Inc. Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (2005). Education and Training Policy Promoting Adult Learning. Vol. 2005, no. 14. Paris: OECD. Preece, J., (2006). Beyond the Learning Society: The Learning World?, University of Glasgow, UK, vol. 25, issue 3, pp. 307-320. Sutherland, Peter and Crowther, Jim (2006). Lifelong learning: concepts and contexts. Routledge. Edwards, Richard (1997). Changing places?: flexibility, lifelong learning, and a learning society. Routledge. Usher, Robin and Edwards, Richard (2007). Lifelong learning: signs, discourses, practices. Springer Read More

 

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