Lifelong learning is more relevant than ever before
2018-09-12
It has been 10 years since the European Universities’ Charter on Lifelong Learning was published. It outlines 10 commitments for universities and governments to support the development of lifelong learning in order to secure what was once referred to as the ‘Europe of Knowledge’.Â
The charter, inspired by 21st century learning expectations in a context of globalisation, demographic change and rapid technological advancement, acknowledged that the term ‘lifelong learning’ encompasses first-time education for disadvantaged groups, continuing education, training for graduates and post-retirement opportunities. Notably, it highlights the importance of access to lifelong learning and the recognition of prior learning.
A decade later, this fundamental topic is highlighted in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which call on the world to “ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learningâ€. It is therefore the right moment to ask ourselves how far European universities have come in advancing this very crucial responsibility and to re-examine the relevance of lifelong learning to better prepare our next steps.
Widening participation
Historically, lifelong learning has played an important role in times of radical evolution or crisis by widening participation to new student groups. Democratic and economic crises following World War I brought women into higher education in the West.Â
The charter, inspired by 21st century learning expectations in a context of globalisation, demographic change and rapid technological advancement, acknowledged that the term ‘lifelong learning’ encompasses first-time education for disadvantaged groups, continuing education, training for graduates and post-retirement opportunities. Notably, it highlights the importance of access to lifelong learning and the recognition of prior learning.
A decade later, this fundamental topic is highlighted in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which call on the world to “ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learningâ€. It is therefore the right moment to ask ourselves how far European universities have come in advancing this very crucial responsibility and to re-examine the relevance of lifelong learning to better prepare our next steps.
Widening participation
Historically, lifelong learning has played an important role in times of radical evolution or crisis by widening participation to new student groups. Democratic and economic crises following World War I brought women into higher education in the West.Â
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