What Is the Purpose of Lifelong Learning Today?

2348 Words5 Pages

What is the purpose of Lifelong Learning today?

Lifelong learning is the concept that learning and opportunities can go beyond that of compulsory education, as well as traditional routes both academic and vocational. With ever expanding economic growth and globalization the need for new skills is more prominent and lifelong learning and adult education is seen to have become a governmental response to socio-economic inequality, the financial crisis as well as the growing competition within industry both nationally and internationally. The notion of lifelong learning also presents itself as a “trinity… of Lifelong learning, the learning organization and the learning of society as a whole” (Hughes and Tight 1995 as cited by Tight 2010 pg. 254) suggesting that lifelong learning does not just present benefits for an individual, but is itself is part of a much bigger picture in the development of society. This being said, with a youth unemployment rate of 21% and a national unemployment rate of 7.7% (Parliament statistics, 2013). It is worth questioning whether or not the measures in place for lifelong learning are significant enough to deal with the growing issues in Britain. With these principles in mind, the body of this essay will look at, and discuss lifelong learning in regards to the 14-19 demographic and explore the opportunities and barriers generated within contemporary lifelong learning provision and practice.

Years 14 to 19 are the transition stages of a student from the end of their compulsory study based of the guidelines set by the national curriculum, to other learning styles that aid the pathways to higher education, training, employment and further life long learning. This than allows students to gain the necessar...

... middle of paper ...

...quired in relation to the skills available leading to the reduction of income inequalities and social cohesion compared with to rival economy’s such as China and India (Teaching and Learning Research Program, 2008.) The idea that a successful knowledge/skill based economy is the dependent of significant proportion of the work-force being in possession of a university level degree or the equivalent as well as higher access to opportunities within the Lifelong Learning sector, participation numbers have to rise to reflect this being beneficial for both individuals and society as a whole.

In conclusion, expanding the horizons and aspirations of the British population as well as the opportunities available to meet these new goals is high on governmental agenda as Lifelong Learning is seemingly one of the answers to economic and social deficit plaguing Britain.

Open Document