CHARACTERISTICS OF LIFELONG LEARNERS Assoc.Prof.Dr. Muhammed Turhan

SESSION GOALS To understand and realize; Different definitions of lifelong learning Characteristics of lifelong learners Lifelong learning skills

DEFINITIONS OF LIFELONG LEARNING Idea of Lifelong Learning re-emerges in 1990s Propagated by international organizations Different rationale: emphasis on it as human capital Espoused both by governments of Western industrialized countries and industry

DEFINITIONS OF LIFELONG LEARNING “Learning is not compulsory... neither is survival” (W. Edwards Deming). Lifelong learning is a necessity rather than a possibility or a luxury to be considered. Lifelong learning has been equated with continuing education and training. “The notion that a college graduate is a ‘finished good’ is being challenged and replaced with the notion of lifelong learning; education is a process that one continues throughout his or her career and lifetime” (Fellers, 1996).

DEFINITIONS OF LIFELONG LEARNING The continuous building of skills and knowledge throughout the life of an individual, It occurs through experiences that are encountered in the course of a lifetime.

DEFINITIONS OF LIFELONG LEARNING European Council: “All learning activity undertaken throughout life, with the aim of improving knowledge, skills and competence, within a personal, civic, social and/or employment related perspective” World Bank Group: A lifelong learning framework encompasses learning throughout the life cycle, from birth to grave and in different learning environments, formal, non-formal or informal.

DEFINITIONS OF LIFELONG LEARNING According to the definition, life long learning is “the activity of seeking out new knowledge or developing a skill, and participating in educational activities over the course of a person’s entire life” (Anon March 9, 2004) In other words, life long learning is the process of one educating itself from his/her early childhood till his/her late senior years.

DEFINITIONS OF LIFELONG LEARNING “the systematic acquisition, renewal, upgrading and completion of knowledge, skills and attitudes made necessary by the constantly changing conditions in which people now live” (Candy et al., 1994) The concept of lifelong learning implies a cycle where the learner contributes prior learning into a new learning environment and sees that learning upgraded (Pitman & Broomhall, 2009)

DEFINITIONS OF LIFELONG LEARNING -UNESCO Lifelong learning encompasses learning at all ages and subsumes formal, non-formal and informal learning. The UNESCO Medium-Term Strategy has, as one of its overarching objectives for the Education Sector, “attaining quality education for all and lifelong learning”. In recent decades the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UNESCO Institute for Education, UIE, until 2006) has organized a wide range of activities along strategic areas of action on advocacy, research, capacity-building and partnership.

COMMON ELEMENTS FROM DEFINITIONS Self-motivated learning throughout a lifetime; Self-assessment; Planning, including formulation of goals and identification of learning resources; Professionalism and mastering competencies that are of value in the market place; Learning for the value of learned individuals to the world at large.

COMMON ELEMENTS FROM DEFINITIONS Self-motivated learning throughout a lifetime; Self-assessment; Planning, including formulation of goals and identification of learning resources; Professionalism and mastering competencies that are of value in the market place; Learning for the value of learned individuals to the world at large.

COMMON ELEMENTS FROM DEFINITIONS Individual-centered approach to learning Importance of out-of-school learning Changing role of school Self-motivated and self-funded learning instead of government-funded learning

CHARACTERISTICS OF LIFELONG LEARNERS A lifelong learner takes responsibility for planning his/her own professional career path. Can identify available career paths; Knows how to find needed knowledge and abilities (competencies) required for a career path; Knows how to find learning resources for mastering competencies;

CHARACTERISTICS OF LIFELONG LEARNERS Understands the role of professional organizations in lifelong learning. Can identify professional organizations associated with her/his intended career; Understands the role of professional organizations in identifying knowledge/skill gaps that established professionals will encounter; Understands the role of professional organization as providers of education/training to address knowledge/skill gaps.

CHARACTERISTICS OF LIFELONG LEARNERS Seeks certifications associated with her/his profession. Can identify professional certifications associated with his/her profession; Can develop a learning path to achieving certification.

CHARACTERISTICS OF LIFELONG LEARNERS Self-assesses, asks other to assess her/him, reflects, and takes learning action based on assessment and reflection. Maintains artifacts for assessment; Maintains assessment outcomes; Maintains reflections.

CHARACTERISTICS OF LIFELONG LEARNERS Remains current in her/his field and takes responsibility for identification of knowledge deficiencies and learning opportunities Formal classes, workshops, positions, mentorship relationships, self-paced courses, reading

CHARACTERISTICS OF LIFELONG LEARNERS Knows criteria that will be used to evaluate performance and professionalism In an interview; In an annual review; In day to day business activities.

CHARACTERISTICS OF LIFELONG LEARNERS Has a multiyear professional development (learning) plan. Has learning interests outside her or his profession and pursues those with vigor.

CHARACTERISTICS OF LIFELONG LEARNERS Candy (1991) proposed five key attributes of lifelong learners: 1. An inquiring mind (love of learning, sense of curiosity) 2. Helicopter vision (awareness of how knowledge is created and limitations of this) 3. A sense of personal efficacy (positive self-concept as a learner) 4. Information literacy (skills to research, manage, evaluate information) 5. A repertoire of learning skills (knowledge of own strengths, range of strategies and ability to apply these)

CHARACTERISTICS OF LIFELONG LEARNERS Knapper and Cropley (2000, 170): 1. being able to plan and assess their own learning 2. being active rather than passive learners 3. learning in both formal and informal settings and from peers, teachers, mentors and others 4. being able to integrate knowledge from different subject areas 5. use different learning strategies for different situations

DISCUSSION TOPIC Should teachers be lifelong learners? Why? Which features and qualities teachers should have as lifelong learners?