Abstract
Lifelong learning has become an indispensable concept in our lives in the 21st century with the advent of technologies and the development of knowledge-based economies and societies. This concept has given a variety of names, such as lifelong education, recurrent education, and adult education. With the establishment of the European Union (EU), economic and civic issues have become more important in terms of social integration and economic competitiveness in Europe in 1980s. As a solution to these challenges, several lifelong learning programs were launched by the EU, including Erasmus, Socrates, Leonardo da Vinci, and Grundtvig. Since the Erasmus program covers university students in terms of a formal schooling period and staff in the higher education setting and people employed by private businesses, it seems a hybrid and prominent solution for lifelong learning in Europe. Therefore, after some information about lifelong learning and adult education are provided, how the Erasmus program works is explained, and some statistics are given to emphasize its importance for Europe.
TopIntroduction
With the advent of information and communication technologies and the impact of globalization, the world must accept the reality of knowledge-based economies and societies. In order to sustain their competitiveness, nations are looking toward the improvement of their human capacity by adopting strategies that enable people in all periods of their lives to develop new knowledge, skills, and competencies. “Lifelong learning” has appeared as a common solution for building the knowledge and skills needed for new or furthered employment and personal accomplishment throughout one’s life.
Lifelong Learning
Lifelong learning has been further defined as the individual’s “lifelong, voluntary, and self-motivated” acquisition of knowledge and skills during his or her lifetime (Department of Education and Science, 2000, p. 31). This acquisition can happen through formal, informal, and non-formal learning.
Formal learning classically takes place in an educational or training institution and is provided in a structured manner, leading to recognized certifications or diplomas. Formal learning has been widely accepted as the primary shaper of people’s education and training, as well as playing a major role in defining for society what “learning” officially is (European Commission, 2000).
On the other hand, informal learning occurs in everyday life. It is not intentional learning; individuals may not perceive the informal knowledge and skills that they have acquired. Moreover, it is not necessarily structured, so it generally does not require specific outputs of time or support for the learner. Informal learning does not usually result in recognized certifications or diplomas.
The third type of lifelong learning is non-formal learning, which occurs in a planned way within organizations; however, it is not formally recognized with certifications or diplomas. In general, the types of non-formal learning include, but are not limited to, professional seminars, workshops, preparation courses, short courses, and fitness programs. Individuals that have a passion for learning and are active in improving their knowledge and skills are well suited for non-formal learning (SEEQUEL, 2004).
The concept of lifelong learning covers all human life from cradle to grave, starting from a child’s first years in the home and continuing through preschooling, schooling, training, and adult education. There is ongoing debate about “learning” versus “education”; however, the use of the term “learning” has become more popular than “education” for adults who are personally active in their own learning processes. Since adults are more self-motivated and self-directed, it is important to examine the concepts of adult education and andragogy, which are main components of lifelong learning.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Formal Learning: It classically takes place in an educational or training institution and is provided in a structured manner, leading to recognized certifications or diplomas.
Adult Learning: After a certain education period including formal schooling, university, and initial vocational training, the individual’s willing to learn to improve himself or herself.
Non-Formal Learning: It occurs in a planned way within organizations and includes, but is not limited to, professional seminars, workshops, preparation courses, short courses, and fitness programs.
Informal Learning: It occurs in everyday life. It is not intentional learning; individuals may not perceive the informal knowledge and skills that they have acquired.
Andragogy: The concept of the process of how adults learn.
Lifelong Learning: The process of acquiring knowledge, skills, and competence throughout the individual’s life.
Erasmus: Erasmus is a community-based action addressing the teaching and learning needs of all those in formal higher education, vocational education, and training at the tertiary level in Europe.
European Union: The European Union (EU) is an economic and political partnership of 27 European countries.