Lifelong Learning

Lifelong Learning

There are many who mistakenly assume that education and learning is limited to school days. Once the person finishes or drops out of school, learning and education becomes irrelevant to them. This is both a dangerous and mistaken assumption. Learning , in actuality, is a process that begins in early childhood and continues throughout our lives.

Learning can be divided into formal and informal education. Formal education commences with our school days and may continue to university or postgraduate studies. Informal learning, on the other hand, is that which we gain through the multitude of our human interactions and experiences. This then begs the question; “why do we need to learn throughout our lives?”

Simply speaking, Lifelong learning is for the purpose of development. We are all experiencing very dramatic changes in our lives today. These can be strongly attributed to technological advances as well as the onset of globalization. The Internet has caused a revolution and sprouted the information age. Information is changing at such a rapid rate that it necessitates our continual learning in order to keep up, or even remain competitive.

In addition to that, the former paradigm of localization has been replaced with trading blocks and globalization. This has dramatically increased both competition, as well as the need for us to remain competitive in this new milieu sand environment. Learning will help us to keep us abreast of changing markets, changing worldwide developments, and a changing world.

At a micro level, learning will help us to develop ourselves. Old knowledge gained is still important as a foundation, but it is a rapidly evolving and changing body of knowledge. Lifelong learning will equip us with the skills to cope with these changes and adjust.

It is crucial that we be adaptable to these changes. Learning can increase our adaptability. It will empower us with new knowledge, skills and insights.

At a personal level, life long learning will lead to our fulfillment. We can grow and develop. This is inevitable in a changing world, and will help us to reach our full potential. It is very satisfying to learn new concepts and new knowledge. Through this we develop improve and grow mentally. Simply put, it is a positive evolution.

From a macro perspective, life long learning is even more crucial. Through the learning of the general population within a culture , state or region, economic growth can be achieved. With a burgeoning world population, the necessity of economic growth can not be understated.

In addition to that, the fast growing knowledge will aid in the social development of the nation and the people. New knowledge can improve social relationships. New medical knowledge can enhance quality of life. Even the education process can be improved. These are just a few applications. There is no limit to the applicability of new knowledge.

Lifelong learning should be considered as a necessity not only for the individual, but also for the development of the entire human family. It will satisfy our needs, improve our world, develop us, and motivate us in our path to constant improvement. As the old Arabic saying goes Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave.




Reference
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lifelong_learning