Life Long Learning, although the term is widely used in a variety of contexts its meaning is often unclear, according to Wikipedia.
There are several established contexts for lifelong learning beyond traditional "brick and mortar" schooling:
· Home schooling where this involves learning to learn or the development of informal learning patterns.
· Adult education or the acquisition of formal qualifications or work and leisure skills later in life.
· Continuing education which often describes extension or not-for-credit courses offered by higher education institutions.
· Knowledge work which includes professional development and on-the-job training.
· Personal learning environments or self-directed learning using a range of sources and tools including online applications.
Taken from:
· Early childhood, birth through grade three, is a time of rapid growth and development. Research has shown unequivocally that during these critical first years, young children go through a long period where play and hands-on experiences are vital to learning.
· As adolescents cope with newly changing bodies, unpredictable voices, surging hormones, and fluctuating emotions, is it any wonder that many have a difficult time concentrating on learning? It has also been observed that at the middle school years, many students have not developed psychologically to the point of being able to deal with learning that involves formal operations thinking. If they are helped to develop these thinking skills through "hands-on" learning, the arts, internships in the community, and service learning they may move through this period without undue damage to their self-esteem.
· Interest continues to accelerate on the part of universities and corporate human resource development programs in helping adults to learn faster, think more intelligently, and problem-solve both independently and/or collaboratively. As it becomes crystal clear that improving skills in these areas has a marked effect on profit and loss, corporations are spending enormous amounts of money and time retraining their employees. Colleges and universities are also pioneering new ways of delivering instruction to adult learners. Community colleges in particular are now offering some of the more innovative adult learning programs around.
· As our population ages, it is interesting to note that many people who would in the past have been considered "old" do not feel or behave in that way. Many continue to take courses at universities, community colleges, and community centers. Many travel with Elderhostel groups or other organizations that offer opportunities to learn about parts of the world where they have never been. Many find volunteering in schools or other community organizations especially rewarding. And many are becoming conscious of ways to keep mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy and young. We invite you to share your thoughts on this subject.
Few external forces are going to persuade you to learn. The desire has to come from within. Once you decide you want to make lifelong learning a habit, it is up to you to make it a priority in your life.
Copyright © 2009 by Life Long Learning of Huntington County, IN.
Webmasters Pam & Mike Fech
bluejeans@fecktronics.com