The Definition Of Lifelong Learning

Lifelong learning

Lifelong learning 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 . This definition is based on Delors’ (1996) four ‘pillars’ of education for the future.

- Learning to know - mastering learning tools rather than acquisition of structured knowledge.

- Learning to do - innovation and adaptation of learning to future work environments

- Learning to live together, and with others – peacefully resolving conflict, discovering other people and their cultures, fostering community capability, individual competence and capacity and social inclusion.

- Learning to be – education contributing to a person’s complete development: mind and body, intelligence, sensitivity and spirituality.

This is underpinned by "Learning to Learn".

Lifelong learning encourages creativity, initiative and responsiveness in people thereby enabling them to show adaptability in post-industrial society through enhancing skills to:

- manage uncertainty, taking decisions and problem solver

- communicate across and within cultures, sub-cultures, families and communities

- negotiate conflicts

The emphasis is on learning to learn and the ability to keep learning for a lifetime.

The European Commission (2001: 9) found that lifelong learning has “Four broad and mutually