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Career Management 101 Lifelong Learning
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What Is Lifelong Learning?
Lifelong Learning is the continuing development of knowledge and skills that people experience after formal education and throughout their lives.
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The Importance Of Lifelong Learning
We live in the Knowledge Age, which means that the ability to apply the right knowledge effectively is an important skill and the cornerstone of our success. If you ever doubt the strength of knowledge and learning, just ask someone who hasn't used a computer in 10 years to find an article on the Internet. Learning makes us more interesting. Knowledge enables a different perspective, fascinating conversation and a deeper understanding. It makes us better people; allows us to make better, informed decisions; and assists us in becoming more successful in our careers. The advancement of technology has boosted the pace of our lives, and requires us to learn something new each day just to stay current in the workplace. Although on-the-job training is wonderful, you can't rely on your company to provide the necessary education. It's advantageous for everyone to make time for learning, seek out their own opportunities, use available resources wisely, and find new resources.
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The Importance Of Lifelong Learning (continued)
If you've decided to take a particular course of learning and apply it to your career, you have to be smart about what you're learning. When it comes to selecting a class or program, make sure that you're targeting your needs. Can the teachings of that class be applied to your life and the real world? Think about your current position and how it can be enhanced by additional coursework. Would the knowledge of a particular software package help? Or would an advanced degree increase your marketability?
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The Importance Of Lifelong Learning (continued)
Once you've identified what you need to know, decide how you're going to learn. Will you request a short training course or seek help from an institution? Don't be discouraged by the perceived barriers to learning: Time—"I'll never be able to fit classes into my busy schedule!" Financial—"I can't afford the cost of tuition right now!" Information—"I don't know where to start!" Location—"The university is too far, and I don't like the academic environment." These hindrances are not insurmountable. We make time for the important things; financial aid is always a possibility; talking to your colleagues or manager is a good start; and there are several alternatives to a traditional classroom environment. The lack of knowledge prevents personal and professional growth, so it's important to commit to lifelong learning as a practice for eternal self- improvement.
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The Benefits of Lifelong Learning
Lifelong learning leads to an enriching life of self-fulfillment. According to one lifelong learner from New York, “We base everything on the belief that our capacity to learn and grow does not decrease as our years increase.” Concludes Nordstrom, “Through academic learning, educational adventure travel and our renewed sense of volunteerism, we expand our awareness, embrace self-fulfillment, and truly create an exciting multi-dimensional life. It doesn’t get any better than that!” Lifelong learning helps us make new friends and establish valuable relationships. No one enjoys loneliness. And through lifelong learning, older adults are meeting new people, forging friendships and relationships with others, and enjoying an active social life. “Lifelong learning is a brilliant way to keep in touch with people, meet new friends, and enjoy life surrounded by the company of folks who are truly embracing the excitement of our later years.”
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The Benefits of Lifelong Learning (continued)
Lifelong learning keeps us involved as active contributors to society. No longer content to sit in a rocker on the porch wiling away the hours, today’s retirees and Baby Boomers about to retire want and demand more from their later years. “We’re out and about,” says Nordstrom. “We’re taking part in educational programs, traveling all over the world, and offering our expertise to society through meaningful community involvement. We’re not a strain on society; we’re an incredible asset.” Lifelong learning helps us find meaning in our lives. “Sometimes it’s difficult looking back on our lives,” says Nordstrom. “But lifelong learning gives us the benefit of real perspective and enables us to find true meaning in the hills and valleys of our past.”
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The Benefits of Lifelong Learning (continued)
Lifelong learning helps us adapt to change. Society is in a state of constant flux. Often as we age we might feel like the proverbial “old dog that can’t learn new tricks.” “Not true at all,” says Nordstrom. “Lifelong learning enables us to keep up with society’s changes - especially the technological ones. A learning environment with our peers not only makes it possible to stay abreast of change, it also makes it fun.” Lifelong learning makes the world a better place. Through the community service aspect of lifelong learning, older learners can give back to their communities and to the world. “We’ve spent 30, 40 or more years interacting with the world,” says Nordstrom. “What we’ve learned during that time can be translated into real value for the betterment of society. Our wisdom, insight – it’s all of tangible benefit to the world around us.”
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The Benefits of Lifelong Learning (continued)
Lifelong learning increases our wisdom. “Lifelong learning enables us to put our lives in perspective,” says Nordstrom. “It increases our understanding of the whys and the whats of previous successes and failures, and it helps us understand ourselves better. We more fully develop the wisdom that can come with later life.” Lifelong learning creates a curious, hungry mind. The more older learners discover about history, current events, politics, or the culture of other countries, the more they want to learn. According to Nordstrom, “There’s a big world out there just waiting for our exploration. Our drive and desire to learn fuels itself and we keep going, constantly looking for more to feed our hungry minds.”
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The Benefits of Lifelong Learning (continued)
Lifelong learning opens the mind. An integral part of lifelong learning is the free exchange of ideas and viewpoints among older learners. Says Nordstrom, “There’s nothing like listening to or taking part in stimulating discussions to help us see the other side of an issue. That give-and-take opens our minds and brings us to a whole new level of enlightenment.” Lifelong learning helps fully develop natural abilities. “We all have innate natural abilities,” says Nordstrom. “Some of which might not be readily apparent. Once we’re no longer working full time, we have the opportunity to fully explore and develop these abilities.”
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References Nordstrom, N. (2014). The Benefits of Lifelong Learning. Retrieved August 4, 2014, from Learning.html The Importance of Lifelong Learning. (2005). American Intercontinental University. Retrieved August 4, 2014, from
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Lifelong Learning Activities
Lifelong Learning Worksheet Lifelong Learning Quiz
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