THE CONCEPT OF LIFELONG LEARNING TO IMPROVE VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES “LET ME SHOW WHAT I HAVE LEARNT” final conference Gleisdorf (A), September 8 th, 2011 DR. FABRIZIO FEA Chair of Standing Committee on Employment, EASPD Rehabilitation Centre for Intellectual Disabled Persons “Scuola Viva” onlus, Rome, Italy.

Dr Fabrizio Fea2 LIFELONG LEARNING … Lifelong learning is the continuous building of skills and knowledge throughout the life of an individual. It occurs through experiences encountered in the course of a lifetime. These experiences could be formal (training, counselling, tutoring, mentorship, apprenticeship, higher education, etc.) or informal (experiences, situations, etc.). Lifelong learning, also known as LLL, is the "lifelong, voluntary, and self-motivated“ pursuit of knowledge for either personal or professional reasons. As such, it not only enhances social inclusion, active citizenship and personal development, but also competitiveness and opportunity of being employed.

Dr Fabrizio Fea3 LIFELONG LEARNING FOR THE E.C. According to the European Commission on Lifelong Learning, the scale of current economic and social change, the rapid transition to a knowledge-based society and demographic pressures resulting from an ageing population in Europe are all challenges which demand a new approach to education and training, within the framework of lifelong learning. Lifelong learning is thus defined as: “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”.

Dr Fabrizio Fea4 LIFELONG LEARNING IN OUR SOCIETY It may be broadly defined as learning that is pursued throughout life: learning that is flexible, diverse and available at different times and in different places. Lifelong learning crosses sectors, promoting learning beyond traditional schooling and throughout adult life (i.e. post- compulsory education). Four pillars of education for the future (J. Delors): 1.LEARNING to know (an approach to learning that is flexible, critical and capable) 2.LEARNING to do (acquiring and applying skills, including life skills) 3.LEARNING to live together (exercising tolerance, understanding and respect) 4.LEARNING to be (promoting creativity and personal fulfilment) The emphasis is on learning to learn and the ability to keep learning for a lifetime.

Dr Fabrizio Fea5 TRADITIONAL VERSUS LIFELONG LEARNING - 1  The teacher is the source of knowledge  Learners receive knowledge from the teacher  Learners work by themselves  All learners to the same thing  Teachers receive initial training plus ad hoc in-service training  “Good” learners are identified and permitted to continue later education

Dr Fabrizio Fea6 TRADITIONAL VERSUS LIFELONG LEARNING - 2  Educators are guides to source of knowledge  Educators serve as facilitators for the students’ acquisition of knowledge  People learn by doing  People learn in groups and from each other  Educators develop individualized learning plans  Educators are lifelong learners  People have access to learning opportunities over a lifetime  Learning is put into practice  Learners reflect upon learning and analyze their personal development

Dr Fabrizio Fea7 BENEFITS OF LIFELONG LEARNING 1) Lifelong learning helps fully develop natural abilities. 2) Lifelong learning opens the mind. 3) Lifelong learning creates a curious, hungry mind. 4) Lifelong learning increases our wisdom. 5) Lifelong learning makes the world a better place. 6) Lifelong learning helps us to adapt to change. 7) Lifelong learning helps us find meaning in our lives. 8) Lifelong learning keeps us involved as active contributors to society. 9) Lifelong learning helps us make new friends and establish valuable relationships. 10) Lifelong learning leads to an enriching life of self-fulfilment. (Nency Merz Nordstrom, 2008)

Dr Fabrizio Fea8 TWO ADVANTAGES MORE … NO MAIN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A PERSON WITH NO DISABILITY AND A PWD. HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO FIND A JOB, OR BE PLACED INTO WORK, KEEP IT AND MAKE CAREER, IF POSSIBLE.

Dr Fabrizio Fea9 FROM THE SERVICE PROVIDERS SIDE IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF KNOWLEDGE IN ORDER TO DELIVER THE BEST SERVICE POSSIBLE TO THE CLIENT. BECOME A LIFELONG LEARNER AND EDUCATOR. DEVELOP INDIVIDUALIZED LEARNING PLANS.

Dr Fabrizio Fea10 VIELEN DANK FÜR IHRE FREUNDLICHE AUFMERKSAMKEIT! MERCI‘ POUR VOTRE AIMABLE ATTENTION AMICALE! THANK YOU FOR YOUR FRIENDLY KIND ATTENTION!