LIFELONG LEARNING

What is the meaning of Lifelong Learning?
“The provision or use of both formal and informal learning opportunities throughout people’s lives. To foster the continuous development and improvement and skills needed for employment and personal fulfilment.” ~ defined by many Dictionaries.

How we define Lifelong Learning is very important.
The person who learns by doing, learns by thinking, who learns by experience is valuable member in a team.
The person who has curiosity, a willingness to question the status quo, and to want to know more about his or her assignment, is the person who believes in Lifelong Learning.
 ~ Wilbur J. Cohen

http://www.ascd.org/ASCD/pdf/journals/ed_lead/el_197511_cohen.pdf

HOW DO WE MOTIVATE OR ENTICE LIFELONG LEARNING?

From the definition on Lifelong Learning we come to an understanding that the purpose of Learning is to gain knowledge to improve skills. It is no more the purpose of getting high scores or better jobs or high paying jobs or degrees or certificates.

Institutions must realise that in order to make Lifelong Learning a success in any environment the purpose must be to enrich, improve, experiencing the LEARNING process. It must not hold barriers such as age, work experiences or other qualifications. Institutions must also realise that Lifelong Learning is not training people, but MENTORING LEARNERS.

You train animals in circus, BUT you mentor people to learn by thinking and questioning the norm. When the Lifelong Learning purpose is led to a purpose of having more pay or getting a job, the LEARNING will become a LIFELESS LEARNING. Why? Because after gaining the skills and attaining the purpose objectives, they will stop Learning.

INSTITUTIONS FOR ADULT LEARNING

Institutions must CREATE a LEARNING CULTURE ENVIRONMENT instead of a training culture environment. Institutions must stop training people who are Lifelong Learners. They must switch to MENTORING adults. Mentoring is not teaching / telling / commanding BUT to make learners think.

Institution should not make the environment exclusive to any group or institutions and be open to give opportunities to everyone.
BE A TREE OF KNOWLEDGE

A Lifelong Learner must be like a strong tree of knowledge with deep roots (having thirst for knowledge) and strong in foundation to question the accepted norms and to learn new things like the swaying of a tree in a storm.

They must also be able to change like when a brunch that falls to grow better and produce leaves and flowers new. And must not be afraid to share the knowledge and be confident to question and be questioned.

The purpose of Lifelong Learning must be to gain knowledge, share knowledge, forward thinking, curious, creative, challenge, allow criticism, learn from mistakes and to make this world a better place.