RESOURCES

WHAT IS 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 (ie post-compulsory education). 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 – equipping people for the types of work needed now and in the future including 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, economic re Learning to be – education contributing to a person’s complete development: mind and body, intelligence, sensitivity, aesthetic appreciation and spirituality.silience, and social inclusion.
  • Learning to be – being able to act with independence and personal responsibility. Capable of self-reflection and empathy.

RESEARCH ARTICLES

UNESCO Reworking the four pillars of education

AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF ADULT LEARNING

Promoting critical thinking and research in the field of adult learning as well as the theory, research and practice of adult and community education.

HOW ADULT LEARNING CHANGE LIVES

A short film about the way Adult Learning can change lives. From leaving an unhappy past behind to starting your own business, returning to learning changes lives in a range of surprising ways.