Lifelong Learning
‘Get a good education’ was the advice given by parents to their children, especially the children who grew up as part of the baby boomer’s era. Many of the boomer’s parents were not able to undertake further education and the Leaving Certificate was the highest level of formal education achieved. The school leaving age was between 14 and 15 because it was more important to get a trade or a job.
Education was once considered to be the formal education, throughout your schooling, TAFE, University and Colleges.
More importantly lifelong education is the education that we choose to undertake throughout our lives. It isn’t always formal education; however, it contributes to increasing our knowledge, our personal growth and development and our understanding of our place in the world. It includes hobbies, reading, podcasts, music, language, the sky is the limit when it comes to the type of learning you can undertake.
Some of the benefits of Lifelong Learning
Age is not a limit - you can study anything you like.
It is affordable.
You can do it at your own pace.
Technology makes it easier to do from anywhere.
Increases our motivation and drive.
Increases skill set broadening knowledge and employment prospects - if we are planning on a promotion or careerchange.
Allows the individual to set goals and structure a plan to achieve them.
Boosts self - esteem/self confidence
Makes us smarter and more interesting.
It may be the thing that gets us up in the morning - gives you purpose.
“There is no end to education. It is not that you read a book, pass an examination, and finish with education. The whole of life, from the moment you are born to the moment you die, is a process of learning.”–Jiddu Krishnamurti
