Lifelong Learning: The Conception Of Lifelong Learning

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Conception of Lifelong Learning
In the previous part of this paper, the definition of Lifelong Learning is discussed and elaborated in details. However, it appears that the current conception of lifelong learning focus on “education” rather than “learning” as the recognition of certification and qualification is the main emphasis. This is closely linked to the continual renewal of licenses to practice a profession. Hence, there is a lower emphasis and value placed on “vocational” learning for personal interest and enrichment.
However, having highlighted ‘education’ as the push in learning, it is important to understand what is central to the changing conception of Lifelong Learning. Lifelong Learning is:
(a) learning that is pursued throughout …show more content…

We live in an “information or knowledge” society and there is a need to keep up and invest time in acquiring the “new” knowledge due to the proliferation of communication and information technology. An example is the accessibility of information in the palm of the hand of every citizen in the near future. These factors had resulted in the transformation of the “old” industrial and manufacturing societies to the new “knowledge-based” ones. The Lifelong Learning and its education value for any individual becomes ‘not an option’ as a result in the need to acquire a new set of learning skills and capacity. Now, the trend from the “knowledge-based” society is evolving towards into a ‘creative’ society. Chugunova & Voronchenko (2013) summarised that Lifelong Learning has “no alternative since it is a global international process and every person living in the 21st century is destined to learn all their …show more content…

It is observed and determined that the current model of Lifelong Learning is derived and based on a human capital theory. Skills and competencies develop through programs of Lifelong Learning are essential for individuals’ performances in tackling complex and precise responsibilities as specified as part of human resource. The adoption of this pragmatic approach to Lifelong Learning is a “push” by the rapid economic growth of the economy. Lifelong Learning continues to be seen as an investment in human capital and often equated with skills upgrading for economic and political survival of a nation. The education value is that Lifelong Learning is for employability as vocation and economic growth will continue to change.
The definition of Lifelong Learning in any economy has a direct correlation with the social development of the society in general. In contemporary society, the value and its focus is on the considerations of what is and should be the focus of successful living as an individual throughout the entire lifespan. In today’s context, living and learning now go hand-in-hand as the knowledge required of living and working intensifies, and continuing education, training, and professional development becomes an everyday aspect of an adult

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