Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Different Definitions = Different National Lifelong Learning Strategies and
AchievementsDr. Kathryn Chang BarkerDirector, Education ExcellencePresentation to International Conference on Lifelong Learning 2011
Overview1. Competing definitions2. The Canadian case study3. Resulting recommendations
Competing Definitions
Recognizing Learning
Lifelong
– Linear, non-formal Life-wide
– Non-linear, non-formal Lifecycle
– Predominantly formal
Societal Purposes
Individual and collective good
– Contributing to social goals
Human capital management
– Contributing to socio-economic goals
April 19, 2023 3Dr. KC Barker
The Canadian Case Study Oriented to adult and continuing
education
– No national education office
Influenced by UNESCO and OECD
– Education restructuring
No consensus-based definition
– Variety of polices and practices
No achievements
“Canada, unlike many OECD countries,
possesses no coherent, cohesive or coordinated national
approach to education and lifelong learning”
CCL, 2010
April 19, 2023 4Dr. KC Barker
What went wrong?
INDECISION
Whether or not to include formal education system
How to recognize non-formal and informal learning
Whether LLL is an investment or an expense
Whether LLL is a personal responsibility or a right
RESULTS? (CCL)
1.Supply-oriented rather than learner-centered
2.Lack of recognition importance of lifecycle learning
3.Absence of clear objectives, responsive policies, national data or benchmarks
April 19, 2023 5Dr. KC Barker
In 1998, six visions were presented (FuturEd)
1. Human resources development – non-formal skills development
2. Based on learning technologies – increased access to info and ODL
3. From LLL advocates – informal but concerted social preservation and prosperity thru LLL opportunities
4. Lifecycle vision – strong foundation skills and ongoing supports
5. Business vision – reliance on formal education to create HR needed
6. Futurist vision – radically transformed education / training system
– Focus on learning rather than teaching– SKA for use rather than for testing– Recognition of all forms of learning
NONE WERE ADDRESSED or ACHIEVED(same said of UK, Malaysia, Italy and others)
April 19, 2023 6Dr. KC Barker
Lessons Learned from CanadaNo definition = no policies = no achievements
1.Strong national leadership is critical to the enculturation of lifelong learning for both an operational definition of lifelong learning and subsequent policies.
2.Lifelong learning must be defined as more that informal and non-formal learning. Further, there must be a working definition that can be funded, measured and achieved.
3.The concept of lifelong learning cannot be used to transform or reform existing formal education systems without foresight and cooperation.
4.People need incentives and rewards (ePortfolio approach to HCM)
April 19, 2023 7Dr. KC Barker
Strategic Questions for Enculturation of LLL at the National Level
1. What is the public policy problem that lifelong learning can solve? Is it the best policy option? How do we know?
2. Who are the customers or target policy beneficiaries, and what are their real needs? How do we know?
3. How can lifelong learning prepare individuals for the future? What KSA are needed – not just for the knowledge-based economy but for global sustainability? How do we know?
4. Who are the key stakeholders, and what is their appropriate role? How can change be managed effectively and efficiently?
5. What would a lifelong learning culture look like? How would we know when we’d achieved it? How do we know we don’t have one now?
April 19, 2023 8Dr. KC Barker
