Lifelong Learning: What is it and how important is it?

Lifelong learning is totally linked to the education we learn throughout our lives.

But does this teaching model still make sense today?

According to the concept of lifelong learning, we need to go further.

The world is becoming more and more disruptive!

That's why our way of learning needs, more than ever, to be constantly evolving and should be seen as an unattainable achievement.

Learning is constant and lifelong!

Lifelong learning advocates precisely this new concept of teaching, a continuing education where everyone, of their own free will, is constantly learning, in search of new knowledge, concepts and skills.

What is lifelong learning?

According to the concept of lifelong learning, the traditional teaching model no longer keeps up with the demands of the modern world.

The job market is looking for versatile, constantly up-to-date and innovative professionals.

Internal processes are constantly changing and the high level of competition is becoming ever more present.

For this reason, the traditional model that has been perpetuated over the years, where education was limited to basic education through to postgraduate studies, is no longer as effective.

Jacques Delors, French economist and politician, coordinator of the report presented at UNESCO: The four pillars of education, argues that knowledge and learning is acquired throughout life and "... requires continuous updating of knowledge..."

In this way, there is no comfort zone.

There is continuous learning, based on new discoveries that transform activities and working relationships.

Some educational institutions have already taken note of these changes.

As a result, they have been looking for teaching alternatives capable of updating and encouraging students to learn continuously and autonomously.

Fundamentals of Lifelong Learning

The concept is guided by four basic pillars:

• Learning to know: the pleasure of knowledge needs to be stimulated, after all, only in this way can knowledge be retained. The brain needs to be continually stimulated, working on memory, expanding knowledge and skills.

• Learning by doing: it's through practice that skills are absorbed. After all, it is in practice that many concepts are put to the test. By repeating activities, content becomes a habit and is consequently absorbed. In other words, it's not enough to know, you have to apply, learn to execute and test.

• Learning to get along: we live in society and interpersonal relationships are extremely important in any social environment. Therefore, we need to understand that it is always possible to learn and develop new skills with others. Having the ability to relate or encouraging this habit is essential for building a constant network of learning.

• Learning to be: personal development is also an important factor in the search for learning. Professionals who are in control of their own lives are more receptive to change and the unexpected. They are therefore open to learning and the constant search for knowledge.

Lifelong learning in the corporate world

The digital transformation has changed our basic and professional relationships.

Forecasting for 20 or 30 years is no longer possible.

Innovations, new functionalities, new work methodologies, new concepts and optimized processes are the main ways for organizations to remain competitive.

You have to go beyond your traditional knowledge!

In order to keep up with the competition, you need professionals who are willing and able to keep up to date.

The main element in building an innovative culture must be valuing intellectual property, in which employees know more than anyone else about every process, strength or weakness of the corporation.

This information, combined with continuous learning, can transform all processes for the better.

In this way, leaders and managers benefit directly from continuing education.

It is even possible to encourage this form of learning in the organizational environment itself.

Having an in-house corporate education program will reduce turnover, increase productivity and, above all, increase competitive advantage with an increasingly innovative team.

Technology as a teaching agent

Technology has not only transformed the traditional corporate world, it has also facilitated many activities, including the way we learn.

With distance learning and its many aspects such as microlearning, it is possible to learn in just a few minutes from wherever you are, using the most diverse electronic devices.

So, for lifelong learning to be possible, one single element is needed: people.

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