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Lifelong Learning for Academics and Professionals Definitions for Lifelong LearningThe definition of Lifelong Learning changes according to conception, background and political view. The difficulty with translations in different languages and the different cultural associations with the term arise when different words are being used synonymously. Furthermore, views differ on what is being understood under Lifelong Learning or similar terms. Also, the definitions change in the course of the development of concepts. An examination with those conceptual differences was part of the work of the meNet working group “Lifelong Learning”. It was the starting point for the formulation of criteria for the education of music teachers in the countries of the meNet project. Definition of the European CommissionLifelong Learning includes: “…all learning activity undertaken throughout life, with the aim of improving knowledge, skills and competences within a personal, civic, social and/or employment-related perspective”. This still valid definition of the EU has been defined in the document “Making a European Area of Lifelong Learning a Reality” in 2001. It is important to see this definition as part of a broad political strategy that is supported by a full range of accompanied measurements in the form of project funding, competitions and education-political initiatives like the Bologna Declaration. According to this EU Definition Lifelong Learning incorporates the following three learning types: Formal, Non-formal and Informal Learning. Formal LearningFormal learning is typically provided by education or training institutions, with structured learning objectives, learning time and learning support. It is intentional on the part of the learner and leads to certification. Non-formal LearningNon-formal Learning is any organised educational activity outside the established formal system (i.e. schools and educational institutions) that is intended to serve identifiable learning clienteles and learning objectives. It is usually highly contextualised and participatory. Non-formal learning is intentional from the learner’s point of view. Non-formal learning is not provided by an education or training institution and typically does not lead to certification. However, it is intentional on the part of the learner and has structured objectives, times and support. Instrumental education is predominantly imparted non-formally. As far as learning is organised and from the point of view of all persons involved is intentional, governmental arranged music-school systems are counted to non-formal learning centre facilities as well as private music courses or self-study guitar lessons. Typical for non-formal learning are all situations, which are deliberately chosen and organised as learning situations. Informal LearningInformal learning results from daily activities related to work, family life or leisure. It is not structured and usually does not lead to certification. In most cases, it is unintentional on the part of the learner. A didactic of informal learning appears to be a contradiction in terms: Informal is being learned when the teacher is not controlling the learning process and what is being learned is only partly followed intentionally. Studies have shown that in the course of life informal learning processes are by far preponderant. That is why research is increasingly dealing with this form of learning. Learning should be made possible from all approaches by setting up adequate conditions so that Learners can follow their interests and objectives at best. Definitions – Differences in UnderstandingIn the EU States the understanding of Lifelong Learning is culturally and education-structurally different. The following dimensions decisively affect the three learning forms: · The location where learning takes place (school, workplace, everyday life) · The degree of structure (curriculum, structured objectives, no predetermined (given) structure) · The intention (intended learning, non-intended learning) · Certification (acknowledged qualification, no qualification) · Learning relation (teacher, trainer, coach, mentor, parents, friends, without help) In the academic discourse the imprecise definition and wording and the need for research for all these learning forms is often pointed out. Usage of the Definition inside meNetThe meNet emphasised principles for Lifelong Learning are oriented on an emancipated understanding. Cultural education should open for everyone equivalent educational- and life chances with regard on their cultural background. Lifelong Learning emphasises the individual process with the objective of self-fulfilment, the ability to give and receive criticism and partake in the community. It shall be understood as a model with emphasis on the right of cultural diversity. The work groups at meNet were anxious to connect the objectives of the education of music teachers, dealt with by other groups (Learning Outcomes), and the criteria for Good Practice with principles, which are fundamental for Lifelong Learning. Thus, it was necessary for the meNet Group to clarify precisely the context and learning intention regarding the usage of the terms. In doing so it was important to understand the terms formal, non formal and informal learning in the understanding of the different countries. Additionally, not to see these three learning forms as contradictory but as and interdependent aspects, which only by considering them, can lead to an improvement of the teaching-learning practice in the educational systems. Further InformationThis, for the present general definition for Lifelong Learning was the starting point for the questions, which criteria are most relevant for the development of competencies (skills) for Lifelong Learning of music teachers. A detailed addition to the concept of Lifelong Learning can be found in the following sources that provide a glossary. Here you will also find detailed information on the status of the education of music teachers. http://www.bologna-and-music.org http://www.lifelonglearninginmusic.org http://www.polifonia-tn.org/content.aspx?id=1721 http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-policy/doc52_en.htm http://ec.europa.eu/education/policies/lll/life/memoen.pdf http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu
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