The Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology

(MEXT, 2000) stated the lifelong learning as

“In order to create an enriching and dynamic society in the 21st century, it is
vital to form a lifelong learning society in which people can freely choose learning
opportunities at any time during their lives and in which proper recognition is
accorded to those learning
achievements.”(http://www.qualityresearchinternational.com/glossary/lifelonglearning
.htm)

Lifelong learning means not only the school and social education but also it
can learn other areas like cultural activities, hobbies, recreation and volunteer
activities and sports. There are different learning places, from schools and universities
to other education places such as libraries, museums, citizen’s public halls, cultural
facilities, sports facilities and lifelong learning program facilities in the private sector,
companies and offices.

Europa (2003) [The European Commission site] states it slightly differently:

Lifelong learning is defined as:

“All learning activity undertaken throughout life, with the aim of improving
knowledge, skills and competence, within a personal, civic, social and/or
employment-related
perspective.”(http://www.qualityresearchinternational.com/glossary/lifelonglearning.h
tm)

Learning can encourage the development of knowledge and competences which

can be useful for social and economic life in achievement. There are consist of formal
learning like a degree course from university and non- formal learning such as
vocational skills acquired at the workplace.

Lifelong learning also known as LLL, “the lifelong, life wide, voluntary and self-
motivated”, is looking for the knowledge in personal or professional reasons. Learning
is not only looking for social inclusion, active citizenship and personal development
but also competitiveness and employability. The motivation of learning can be depend
on the work-related reasons or the desire for personal development, or both. The need
or desire to engage in learning can occur at any point during an adult's lifetime.
 Nowadays, scientific and technologies innovation are rapidly developing and it
can change a lot on learning natures and styles. New information and communication
technology support excellence in teaching, learning and research. Learning cannot be
divided into place and time to gain knowledge. For example, we can learn the new
things via internet, e-learning, personal mobile, VLE, multimedia, etc. So learning can
be getting through our daily interaction through with others and around the world.

Lifelong learning is therefore about:

 acquiring and updating all kinds of abilities, interests, knowledge and qualifications
from the pre-school years to post-retirement. It promotes the development of
knowledge and competences that will enable each citizen to adapt to the knowledge-
based society and actively participate in all spheres of social and economic life, taking
more control of his or her future.
 valuing all forms of learning, including: formal learning, such as a degree course
followed at university; non-formal learning, such as vocational skills acquired at the
workplace; and informal learning, such as inter-generational learning, for example
where parents learn to use ICT through their children, or learning how to play an
instrument together with friends.

Lifelong learning can say in another words is “It is

never too late to learn”. There will be different reasons why people
decide to choose to learn not only to improve employability but
also it can be hobby or to gain more confidence or may be to meet
new friends. There is no limited time to learn. People are learning
machine that we are always learning, adapting, adjusting and
finding new ways to improve our lives.

Today’s competitive world, lots of people are investing in

continued learning to face with the challenges. The attitude of the
continuous learning can support to defeat in our ever-changing
environment. There is no need to be daunted that gaining new skills
and knowledge, personal growth and development can extend from
the learning process. Moreover, learning can give tolerable and pleasurable life
beyond the official retirement of age.

There are many courses on learning a part time basis through a local college or
via distance programs. For example, home learning education which is an attractive
way for older and disable learners who may not feel comfortable to go back a
classroom environment and to progress at a comfortable pace with access to a
dedicated tutor.
 However, large numbers of labour force are in lower qualifications standard and
those are the one of the factors of the unemployment rate in future downturn.
Tomorrow's long term unemployed may well include some of today's youngsters who
are being tempted into low skilled jobs at the expense of completing their education.
So many companies are encouraging lifelong learning in their employees to keep their
skills up-to-date. Work-based learning is incorporated into sandwich courses,
employment-based learning programmes, continuing professional development
programmes, and other education.

The benefits of lifelong learning

 Engage in self-evaluation and reflection

 Keeps the mind sharp
 Improves memory
 Increases self-confidence
 Offers an inexpensive way to try something new
 Saves money as earn to “do it yourself”
 Gives a feeling of accomplishment
 Helps to meet people who share the interests
 Builds on skills
 Offers an opportunity to learn a new skill or trade and increase income
 Gives a new interest that can share with family and friends

Lifelong learning is open doors for acquisition and improvement of skills,

abilities, knowledge and understanding to become a quality of life. Moreover, the
governments and others society and organizations are encourage and pay attention on
the lifelong learning for everyone.

“Lifelong learning is a deliberate progression

throughout the life of an individual, where the initial
acquisition of knowledge and skills is reviewed and
upgraded continuously, to meet challenges set by an ever
changing society.”
Bibliogaphy

http://www.qualityresearchinternational.com/glossary/lifelonglearning.htm)

http://www.lifelonglearning.co.uk/z-older.htm

http://www.lifelonglearning.co.uk/nagcell2/wp-ben.pdf