Concept of Lifelong Learning

1)Lifelong learning is not limited to formal school education.

2)It starts from the moment we are born and ends in our death. Learning beyond traditional schooling and throughout adult life.

3)Lifelong learning crosses sectors, promoting learning beyond traditional schooling and throughout adult life.

4)Learning is natural and continuous process of brain, actively or passively. So for the life time, brain keeps on learning, till it is functioning. When brain stops functioning (brain death), the process of learning or education stops.

Lifelong Learning Education

1)The concept of lifelong learning was introduced in Denmark as early as in 1971 and later it was emphasized in two ground-breaking UNESCO reports of 1972 and 1996.

2)The Education for All (EFA) movement, launched in 1990 at the world conference on Education for all in Jomtien, Thailand and followed by the EFA Dakar Framework for Action in 2000 with the adoption of six global education goals.

Lifelong learning in Indian Context

1)Education commission (1964-1966)- “Education does not end with schooling but is a lifelong process.”

2)The National Policy (1986) “Lifelong Education – is a cherish goal of the education process.”

3) Five year plan (2007-2012)- “idea of expending the scope of the continuing education program by developing it through lifelong Education and Awareness Program (LEAP).

Concept of lifelong learning has 4 major Characteristics

1)A systematic View- The lifelong learning framework views the demand for, and supply of learning opportunities throughout lifecycle. It is inclusive of both formal and informal learning.

2)Learner focused– Based on the learning needs assessment teaching is provided. Teaching is focused on the learning needs of learners. Learners learning needs are given utmost importance.

3)Learners self-paced learning– Motivation of learners is the vital foundation for learning. Motivation to learn is an essential foundation of lifelong learning. Learners are encourages to learn through self-paced learning and self-directed learning.

4)Multiple goal of learning- learners would change objectives of learning as per the priorities among these objectives in their individual lifetime.

Methods of Life learning

1)Formal learning- is well planned and has a structure, it is used in classes, seminars, conferences etc. It is mainly guided, supervised, supportive learning. These are tutoring etc. teaching and evaluation plays important role. It is profession oriented. Hence subject, course, tenure are defined.

2)Informal Learning- is related to what we learn from outside the classroom or society. It is self-learning, cooperative learning. Subjects are not defined. It is life oriented.

3)Non-formal Learning- is structured and related indirectly to formal education. Usually it is flexible, learner-centered. These are included “Correspondence Learning” “Distance Learning” and “Open System”.

Benefits of lifelong learning

1)It improves the mind.

2)Helps with the individuals self-esteem Creates opportunities for a better job.

3)When you get older you will keep up with a constant changing world.

4)Helps you be aware about things in life.

5)Creates a hunger for more knowledge.

How to create a lifelong learning habit?

1)Spend time with individual who are more intellectual.

2)Use the correct time to learn or practice a new skill

3)Make lifelong learning a priority in your life.

4)Try to carry a book every where you go.

5)Create to learn list about things you are interested and you want to learn about.

6)More learning should be done at home and every where you go cause knowledge which help us to solve problems in life and will add value to it. We should keep educating to our self everyday because wise people in this world never stop learning and we as teachers are supposed to create the habit.

Objectives of Lifelong Learning

1)Educating human resources for the future.

2)To provide quality adult education and continuing training for everyone.

3)To develop India as an advanced knowledge-based society, with sustainable economic development.

4)To foster cooperation and mobility between education and training systems for future generations.

5)As vehicle for accelerating the pace of development.

6)To ensure for accelerating of special needs and disadvantaged groups, regardless of their socio-economic background.