Explain The Concept And Ideals Of Lifelong Learning: Lifelong Learning – Contemporary Policy And Practice Assignment, TCD, Ireland

Module Learning Outcomes being assessed:

1. Explain the concept and ideals of lifelong learning

2. Identify and discuss key documents which define the role of lifelong learning in contemporary Europe and Ireland

3. Identify and discuss key EU and Irish policy documents which underpin contemporary lifelong learning strategy

4. Discuss the integration of lifelong learning policy and strategy into the further education sector in Ireland

5. Discuss instruments that help advance the objectives of lifelong learning strategy in Ireland

Assignment

Will the Irish Education and Training systems are fit for purpose for the needs of 21st-century workplaces and society?

Lifelong learning must become the guiding principle for provision and participation across the full continuum of learning contexts. The coming decade must see the implementation of this vision. All those living in Europe, without exception, should have equal opportunities to adjust to the demands of social and economic change and to participate actively in the shaping of Europe’s future.

Norma Foley, the newly appointed Minister for Education, has asked you to prepare a briefing prior to her upcoming meeting with the European Council – Education Committee.

She is anxious about the forthcoming meeting for two reasons:

1. She is a relatively new Minister for Education and her knowledge and experience lie mainly in Secondary School Education. She has little familiarity with Adult Education; and even less when it comes to education, Learning, and Development within the private sector and private industry.

2. She is keenly aware that Ireland has failed to meet the EU’s target of 15% of adults in Lifelong Learning by 2020. She is now faced with the serious challenge of going from 7% of adults in Lifelong Learning in 2018 to 25% by 2025, less than 4 years away.

With reference to ‘A Memorandum on Lifelong Learning, European Council, Lisbon,  March  2000’ and any other relevant EU, Irish Government, ESRI, and Private Sector reports, Ms. Foley wants an understanding of:

1. The state of Adult Education and Training in Ireland today. Given that we Irish have had a proud history of learning and culture, can we be proud of our Education System today, when looked at through the lens of Lifelong Learning and the 4^th Industrial Revolution, the Knowledge Worker, the Knowledge Economy, and a Knowledge Society? (What are we currently doing to meet our goal?).

2. What effect has the Global Pandemic had on the Irish Labour Market and Adult Education and Training in Ireland?

What are the key skills that will be required by the Irish Labour Market over the next 5—10 years?

3. our overall Conclusions from your research which answers the ultimate question:

Will the Irish Education and Training systems are fit for purpose for the needs of 21st-century workplaces and society?

4. A set of actionable Recommendations as to what new initiatives need to be implemented, and what aspects of our current systems need to change, for us to achieve our goal of active citizenship and employability for life. Briefly justify each recommendation. (What do we need to do going forward to meet our goal?).

5. Bibliography