STRATEGY OF LIFELONG LEARNING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NIS Prof. dr Biljana Predic Faculty of Economics at Nis

The Starting Point of the Strategy The Strategy is based on the following documents: Serbian National Strategy for the Accession to the European Union (2005). National Employment Strategy of Serbia (2005). Strategy for Adult Education (2005). White Paper on Education and Training (1995). Lisbon Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education in the region of Europe (2007). Memorandum on Lifelong Learning (2000), etc.

Why Lifelong Learning? Lifelong Learning is a continuous process of acquiring knowledge for the purpose of broadening knowledge itself and developing skills and capacities. It is a process which combines non-formal and informal learning at all ages. LLL is two-dimensional, determined by space and time (time determines learning throughout life; space determines learning not only at educational institutions, but at every place and every time, in all situations).

Mission of the Strategy Lifelong Learning Concept is based on the following assumptions: People have the capacity to learn throughout lifetime. Successful learning entails knowledge acquisition and skills development. Knowledge and skills are acquired in non-formal and informal way, both of which should be encouraged, appreciated and utilized.

Objectives of the Strategy Long-term objectives of the University are the following: Promoting concepts of learning and education. Strengthening cooperation and networking at national and international level. Developing basic competencies as a prerequisite for literacy in modern terms. Social development and reduction of unemployment rate. Flexibility and accessibility of education. Recognition and evaluation of all forms of acquired knowledge and skills.

Promotion of the concepts of learning and education is essential for: Increasing motivation for successful lifelong learning process and application of its results. Increasing willingness, motivation and interest in learning. Gaining benefits for professional advancement and personal satisfaction.

Strengthening cooperation and networking at national and international level in order to: Integrate into a unique system all available forms of continuing education. Make relevant information accessible to all interested individuals. Make the achieved development efficient and transparent. Promote cooperation and strengthen partnership between Universities at national and international level.

Development of basic competencies is based on conclusions of Council of Europe reached at Lisbon meeting : Computer literacy Knowledge of foreign languages Technical literacy Entrepreneurial capacities Social skills (communication, self-confidence, etc.)

Social development and reduction of unemployment rate is to be achieved through the following: Special educational training programmes in specialized institutions. Educational training programmes for employed candidates at their working posts. Educational and training programmes at schools, municipal buildings or civic and cultural centers and other institutions, in coordination with the University. Establishing partnership between the University, Chamber of Commerce and Industry and National Employment Service.

Flexibility and accessibility of education entails: Dynamic process of education (objectives, venues and ways of conducting it). Adjustments of learning methods to cater for different needs and capacities of candidates. Modernization of current and introduction of new curricula based on the market demands. Harmonization of programmes with demands of individual working posts. Introduction of distance learning.

Recognition and evaluation of all forms of learning and knowledge is to be achieved through the following: Acquired knowledge is to be evaluated using special tests, as well as theoretical and practical examinations. Diplomas and Certificates of Qualification are to be issued to all candidates. Lifelong Learning based on point grading system enables adequate evaluation of acquired knowledge.

Principles of Lifelong Learning Principles of lifelong learning are the following: To create and introduce in a high-quality manner educational training programmes relevant and attractive to candidates. To harmonize programmes with the labour market demands and in cooperation with the National Employment Service, with maximum of flexibility. To harmonize programmes with demands of prospective employers, entrepreneurs, employees and the unemployed, regardless of the age of the candidates. Programmes ought to be multidisciplinary and pertaining to different scientific fields.

Reasons for Lifelong Learning Reasons for lifelong learning are manifold, but two stand out as the most essential: Lifelong Learning promotes social, economic and cultural development of the country based on successful creation and transfer of knowledge and skills. Economic, techno-technological and socio-cultural changes bring about the need for new knowledge, skills and competencies, which, in turn, ought to result in аn overall progress of both society and large and each individual.

Strategy of the University of Nis The University of Nis will be the initiator of, and leader in conducting all activities contained in the Strategy of Lifelong Learning in the region. The aim is to promote lifelong learning as part of its educational policy and to connect educational process and research through new programmes. Students will be encouraged to take an active role in the process. In addition, the University will adjust its general institutional policies and activities related to continuing learning and education to include both former, graduate students and people without higher education degrees. The overall aim is to create lifelong learning-oriented study programmes within institutions which will be motivating and attractive to candidates and which will help them to enhance employability and secure their professional advancement.

This process is to be conducted in the Lifelong Learning Center This process is to be conducted in the Lifelong Learning Center. Implementation of strategic objectives will be carried out by an expert multidisciplinary action team. The task of the Center is to mediate between University graduates and enterprises in order to facilitate implementation and realization of the Strategy and promote broader cooperation with all stakeholders at national and international level. We expect a considerable number of interested candidates as the programmes will be created to meet their professional needs and demands of society at large. An effort will be made to establish cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science and other national and international institutions which might be interested in financing such a concept. We plan networking of all Centers in Serbia and the region.