Lifelong Final (Edited)

8/2/2019 Lifelong Final (Edited)

1/36

Lifelong learning as a means of personal and professional develop-

ment in the life of a teacher

Introduction:

I had been very interested in undertaking this module as it allowed me the

chance to express my personal experience in lifelong learning.This paper in-

tends to present my personal experience of lifelong learning as a way of

continuous personal and professional development. I am writing this paper

as an assignment for this module, which I believe has been of great benefit

to me. This module was a great helpful where helped me Throughout the

course of this module, I came across many interesting topics and issues,

such as conflict resolution or intercultural communication. The former

helped me to understand how to improve the way of handling conflicting

situations, whilst the latter to develop my own personal and professional

skills by delivering a significant number of meaningful subjects such as con-

flict resolution which determined the appropriate way to handle future cir-

cumstances for all parties in developed method. Intercultural communica-

tion demonstrated the importance of languages where it is can be per-

ceived as a bridge to link between different cultures and as a facilitatefacil-

itator of the communication between ethnically diverse population. In addi-

tion, this module was particular about the importance and necessity of effi-

cient time management, which is an indispensable skill in the hectic times

of modern era. factor between diversity. Along with the time and its man-

agement and how to organise it efficiently are valuable subjects and other

topics other not less important than the topics mentioned above


2/36

The reasonsreason behind choosechoosing lifelong learning as a topic of

this paper is my career of a teacher in Saudi Arabia. has been the interest-

ing subject to me as a lecturer in a developing country Saudi Arabia and to

mention its various benefits. Lifelong learning It is a new concept in Saudi

Arabia. It where it has been adopted mostly in Saudi universities,

nowadays because of its significant importance in developing the educa-

tional competences throughout all levels of the educational system. the

education field. Personally, I believe that, lifelong learning can give me

thean opportunity to improve my educationalteaching skills and capabilities

in the future as well as it can encourage me to reach the highest level of

learning achievement. Furthermore, the benefits of lifelong learning are not

limited to a teacher. Therefore, later in my teaching career I can encourage

students to familiarise themselves with the idea of lifelong learning and act-

ively pursue it. The great benefit of lifelong learning is that it enhances both

professional as well as personal lifeAs far as these benefits gained, they

should be delivered to my students in the university to let them putting the

value of this notion in their priorities and encourage them to learn formally

and informally which can give them many advantages for both the individu-

als themselves and the career they are working for to gain the achievement

for the this career specially and the community generally.


3/36

Structurally, Thisthis paper will begin begins by mentioning examining the

idea of lifelong learning in literature. This is followed by comparing formal

learning and lifelong learning complemented by an attempt to define the

major advantages of lifelong learning that can be applied in ones profes-

sional and personal development. Furthermore, I intend to demonstrate

how lifelong learning can be beneficial to a teacher on my own ex-

ample.what is lifelong learning with literature, and it will

comparison between formal learning and lifelong learning with some ad-

vantages can be

applied in my career as personalities advantages then it will discuss the

benefit of lifelong

learning mix up with literature and reflect my personal experience .Following

this, the paper

deals with my study as lifelong learning with mix up some literature .Finally it will be concealed this

paper. Next section begins with summary what is lifelong learning.

The main points of this paper are summarised in the conclusion.

What is Llifelong learning: definition?s and perceptions

Lifelong learning can be identified in a wider context whereas a learning can

be in at all stages of ones life; learning which is all life stages,

flexible, variable and existedpresent inat various times and at various

places different times and venues. Lifelong learning can thus take place

even at workplace, thereby in sectors, encouraging learningeducating one-

self outside the traditional school environment and throughout ones adult

life, i.e.i.e., after onesthe compulsory education is completed. There are

four bases of education for the future found by Delors (1996) where the

above definition refers to.Delors (1996) identified four main incentives foreducating oneself. First, Learninglearning to know: focus is not on gaining


4/36

any particular the designed knowledge but doingon developing adequate

learning skills the tools of learning well. Second, Learninglearning to do:

this is a practical approach to education aimed at providing knowledge spe-

cific for given type of work to increase productivity and to allow people to

adjust to ever-changing working environment, or to encourage people tofind new ways of doing things, ergo, to innovate. Third, allowing people to

be familiar with needed work types for the present or the future, this in-

cludes innovation and adapting of learning to future work environment.

Learninglearning to live together, and with others: this type of education re-

volves around bridging the gaps between people of different cultures in or-

der to to discover people along with their cultures, to enhance the capabil-

ity of local society and individual competences., whilst Also to boosting

economic flexibility, capability and social integration of a person with high

cultural awareness. Finally, .

Learninglearning to be: the type of education contributingcontributes to a

persons complete development both of hist: mind and body with special fo-

cus on development of ones , intelligence, sensitivity, aesthetic appreci-

ation and spirituality.

One defining characteristic of Lifelonglifelong learning can be conceptual-

isedis the fact that this type of learning is not taking place during the period

of formal learning in schools, but rather it expands on the platform created

by the formal learning. It is a process that continues throughout ones life

as an important essence of a personal and professional development. Simil-

arly, lifelong learning is not less important for economy and its growth as is

the formal learning. as it does not mean learning through main education

years only but the learning can be expanded and the skills and compet-

ences can be increased where its fruitful advantages would continue forever

as it vital component of growth and development of people as universe and

citizens as well as it is a significant factor of economic growth. In addition,

to this lifelong learning is perceived asto be in a general interest because


5/36

it is sake for theof the whole community as its benefits are not strictly lim-

ited to an individual not limited for a few number. (Smethurst , 1995).

However, it isTo further elaborate on what defines lifelong learning, one can

consider important to consider that there arethe three key features of

lifelong education asmentioned by (Smith , (1996, cited in (Wang,2008 ).

According to Smith, the first feature of lifelong learning is that it evolves

from and not overhaul the existing structures of formal educational system

such as schools, universities or any other mentioned that the first features

is the seen as building upon and affecting all existing educational pro-

viders either schools and institutions of higher education. The second fea-

turesSecondly, lifelong learning goes is that is more than beyond the form-

al educational in its ranges and inclusiveness as it it is involved encom-

passes all agencies, groups and individuals involved in any kind of learning

activity. the final The third featuresfeature of lifelong learning is assump-

tion that that belief that individuals can become self-directing and self-mo-

tivated hence capable of benefiting from and they will be find benefit in en-

gagingengagement in lifelong education.

It is worth noting at this point that the perceptions of what constitutes

lifelong learning differ in few points. In addition, there are different mean-

ings of lifelong learning due to different views and understandings lifelong

learning; it also differs from personal to person. For instance, European

Council Communication (2004) hadissued a comprehensive meaningdefini-

tion offor lifelong learning:


6/36

All learning activity undertaken throughout life, ,with the aim of

improving knowledge ,skills and competence, within a personal ,

civic, social and /or employmentrelated perspective.

(European Council Communication,2004, 2004; cited in Harvey 200412).

However, there is another point of view which argues that lifelong learning

may be more than development someof skills and knowledge. It is also in

fact it is improvean improvement of a human potential:. The quote from

Longworth and Davies (1996:22).

Lifelong learning is the development of human potential through a

continuously supportive process which stimulates and empowers

individuals to acquire all the knowledge, values, skills and under-

standing they will require throughout their life-times and to apply

them with confidence creativity and enjoyment in all roles, circum-

stances and environments.

( In: Longworth and Davies, 1996:22)

It is important to note that lifelong learning comprises of means that a full

range of types of learning including

formal, or informal , or workplace learning. Lifelong learning it is also the

knowledge, skills attitudes and

behaviours that people learn from day to day experience.(Scottish Execut-

ive ,2006, 2006; cited in

Harvey 2004).


7/36

According to The NEMOs(2012) provided three-part division of lifelong

learning that further demonstrates its broad focus. The first part of lifelong

learning is a formal one which takes place There are three different ways

of lifelong learning, some more

obvious than others. Formal is one of the three type it mean learning in a

formal educational

or training setting, usually with the aim of obtaining qualification. it takes

place in university or vocational usually it aims to obtain to be

qualification. Also Non-formal learning regarding to learning is in organ-

ised by formal institution of higher education, but it does not lead to any

qualification (public lectures, guest speaker, open discussion panels, etc.).

and structured

but not able to be a qualification such as attending a lecture or normal talk.

The final type of

lifelong learning is that Informalinformal learning which is taking place

throughout ones life and is facilitated by either family or civic society. Most

importantly, this is not an intentional learning but rather learning through

exposure to certain situations and environments in ones life that is learn-

ing happened during the life by

family, civic and social and the important point is not learning intentionally..

The incentives for pursuing lifelong learning are threefold: Furthermore,

lifelong learning is important and value for individual, related to ones em-

ploymentemployability, and

professional. For an individual, lifelong learning is about fulfilling desire for

personal and professional development, to increase ones social status and

become valuable and respected member of society. :

Furthermore, lifelong learning is for some a means to acquire and continue

to develop relevant skills and knowledge to ensure high employability and

unhindered prindividual :Lifelong learning for individual it is much aboutyour own desire to development


8/36

to be able to have a high status and to be professional.ofessional growth

once employed. It also ensures that skills and

knowledge which are relative throughout your professional career that sup-

port virtue of

career and employment opportunities.

employment :because lifelong learning ensures that have a good profes-

sional outcome than it

is extension reputation and standing to your organisation.

Third set of incentives relates to employers who want their employees to

continue learning throughout their career and thus be able to face new

challenges and be flexible enough to adjust changing working environ-

ment. In addition, effective learning system on a workplace provides new

employees with means to quickly and conveniently obtain knowledge and

develop skills required for a given profession : lifelong learning ensures that

making planning professionals are to be able

respond any new challenges and have power to supporting new entrants to

the profession in

their own learning (Education Teamc 2009).

It is important to note at this pointto point out that that the most significant

characteristics of learners of lifelong

learning is that should be thatthe desire for lifelong learning must come

from insidewithin and is not forced upon a person. Presumably if one does

something with passion and has very personal incentives for doing it, it is

becoming easier for him to accomplish whatever his goal is. Therefore a

the person itself

because if person decide to do something without desire it defiantly find

little difficulties. To

becoming alifelong teaching requires lifelong learner need discipline, self-

motivation, self-determination and the willingness a personof a person to

assume responsibility for continuedcontinued

self-educating (learning. Smith, ((1997)) cited in (Wang, (2008) ).


9/36

The difference between formal learning and lifelong learning, highlighted

by this module in several ways, is of This module highlightparticular import-

ance for me as a teacher. I want my students to be successful in both their

studies and later their careers. What I have realised throughout this module

is that the way to support my students success is not only through formallearning, but also by providing them information about lifelong learning that

would ignite their desire to pursue this type of learning after leaving the

school. This can be done through organising workshops, seminars and

courses for students about the various issues related to lifelong learning.

The goal is for students to understand that the important point which will

help me in my career about there is a

different between Formal Learning and Lifelong Learning so, I will try to im-

prove my

students skills to study and attend workshop, seminars or course out said

the classes to

understanding the education is not taking placejust in the formal setting,

but Asas Kumar (2012) pointpoints out,

that the lifelong learning is a countering progress learning in the informal

situation and itsbased on

add experiences of in everyday life. AlsoIn other words, Nordstrom (2008)

mentioned that lifelong learning itis

continued learning educational experience that is not dependeddependent

on the curriculum of academic

coursework (Nordstrom, 2008).

The next section will provide more detailed account of the major differences

between formal learning and lifelong learning. So, in the following section

will be explained in detail the comparison between

formal learning and lifelong learning.

Comparison between Formal Learning and Lifelong Learning:

With regard to the definitions of lifelong learning that have been already

presented, It should be evident that the concept of lifelong learning has a


10/36

distinctive character that differs it from formal learning. One way in which

lifelong learning differs is according to Smith (1997; cited in Wang (2008)),

its flexibility. In other words, lifelong learning enables a learner to There are

different between formal learning and lifelong. It is important to consider

that As

Smith (1997) cited in (Wang,2008 ).indicated that lifelong learning is flex-

ible than formal

education because the learners can choose the time, place, contexts and

situation in which learning process will take place. Based onConsidering

my personal experience, the foregoing characteristic of lifelong learning is

very important. Usually, the courses I attended during my undergraduate

studies were happening in evening when most people are free to attend

them. However, this year, my tight schedule does not allow me to attend

such events, yet I am still involved in the process of lifelong learning. This is

due to the fact that lifelong learnings main goal is to improve ones know-

ledge and qualification: a condition I am fulfilling by studying for a master

degree to improve my knowledge and I usually attending any course in my

free time and I was taken any

course in the evening especial when I was study undergraduate because I

have every day

lecturers in the morning.qualification. Furthermore, my learning is direct, at

University, and indirect, in form of learning about different cultures through

meeting people of various ethnicities.

Formal teaching and lifelong teaching differ also in the role a teacher plays

in these processes. Naturally, t Therefore I considerate from this topic why

at this time I am not

able to do anything else because this year I am very busy with my study so

it can heighted

this as question did I learn in this yeas? the answer sour yes because oneof mina purpose of


11/36

lifelong learning are improve knowledge and qualification and I get it from

this year and

called direct benefit from lifelong learning and I am learning indirect such as

make friends

from different international countries.

Teachers also play a vital roleare pivotal in the formal education as their

main role is to facilitate a transfer of knowledge to students. Thus the rela-

tionship between a teacher and a student is that of expert and novice. Yet,

in the lifelong learning, teachers does not just provide information to stu-

dents but engage them in activities that have direct impact on their profes-

sional life. Hence the teacher and student under such circumstances would

have more reciprocal relationship (Smith (1997) cited in Wang (2008)). Pre-

sumably, this reciprocity is due to the fact that students themselves, prob-

ably most of them with a career in progress, already posses certain experi-

ence, knowledge or skills that the teacher can benefit from. but the main

role is to explain to the

students the information but in the lifelong learning the role of teachers not

just provide the

date from teachers to students but also can engage in the work practice

then they are able to

learn from teaching activates by students as the result the relationship

between student and

teachers in formal education as expert-novice whereas in the lifelong learn-

ing as

reciprocal. From my own experience, I consider this reciprocity of the rela-

tionship between a teacher and a student as very important, especially in

the higher levels of education, since students are often coming from various

backgrounds, and thus they are able to provide interesting contributions


12/36

into learning process. As a student at the University of Birmingham, I have

been able to see the benefits of this approach, where students are often

partners for their lecturers, therefore I would like to apply such an approach

at the university in my home country. (Smith ,1997 cited in Wang ,2008). I

have learned that the way which will be

uses in my career with my students reciprocal is much better especial in

the higher

education because some situation or experience has been done with

someone who will give

the important information than teachers who may not be usually have ex-

perience in each

situation therefore, I can see as a good way to use and this way sometimeapplied in the

university of Birmingham so, I hope to applied at least in my university as I

found it has

benefit

Furthermore, formal and lifelong teaching use different teaching modes. As

Smith, (1997, (cited in Wang (, 2008)). Also noted, that the teaching mode

between lifelong

learning and formal education are different since in the formal education

the students receive

the knowledge in a direct way from their teachers so the knowledge is

passed down or transferred from teacher to students. This is in simply and

direct by teachers in contractcontrast to the lifelong learning where the

knowledge is being constructed by students and teacher working together.

construct the

knowledge with the teachers together. It is necessaryworth to stress the

fact that the mentioned construction of knowledge entails several benefits

for students. For instance, if students are actively involved in the creating

of knowledge, this has very positive influence on the development of their

creative thinking skills and problem-solving skills to bear in mind that in

direct teaching


13/36

has advantages to students to be active learners because this instruction

support creating

thinking and helps to develop problem-solving skills to be depth and

breadth to the learning

experience. (On line teaching strategies website 2012). The foregoing

has inspired me to use more direct way of teaching From the above point I

have learned

to use in direct teaching with my students because it has plenty of advant-

ages such as support of creative thinking or encouraging students to oper-

ate with the knowledge they gain, not just store it in their memories and

later forget.

Finally, lifelong learning is unstructured and is facilitated mostly through

activities, whilst formal learning is pedagogically structured and proceed by

means of classes with specified curriculum (Smith (1997) cited in Wang

(2008)).create

thinking for students and do not give the information by simple way which

may be easier to

forgetting. As I see this module allowed me to think about the teaching as

well.

A final point which Smith (1997 ) stated is that Structure of learning thelifelong learning

uses unstructured and takes place in activities however, the formal educa-tion is structured that

is done through formal educational Systems so, it is pedagogic.

Regarding to this module it has been learned that as Fischer (1999) cited in

Wang, 2008

argued that to develop the formal learning we should contextualize and

situate the formal

educational institutions that is, knowledge should be believed by teachers

as a human


14/36

struggle to knowing toward truth and formal education require to develop

the skills and

processes for lifelong learning that should make the positive attitude to

learners. It has been

noticed that as my experience it need to reform the traditional formal edu-

cational toward

lifelong education lifelong is critical and important in our lifespan.

Having discussed the various definitions and perceptions of lifelong learn-

ing, the following section As this lessen provide my the benefits of lifelong

learning the next section will mentioned some benefits reradiating to the

literature mix up with my personal experience.focuses on the ways in

which a teacher and students can benefit from lifelong learning.

Benefits of lifelong learning:

Among the numerous advantages There are plenty of advantages of lifelong

learning is one which relates to ones personal development as lifelong

learning provides a person with a time and space for their innate abilities to

emerge and evolve. Many people, for various reasons, have not received

such an opportunity through formal education the first point is that helps to

development

the natural abilities since we have already the innate natural abilities but

not all of them has

been appeared so we need time to discovered and development our kills.

(Nordstrom.2008). As an illustration from my own experience, I decided to

interrupt my teaching career and go to study for a master degree abroad in

a foreign language. Thus, lifelong learning has provided me with an

Form my personal experience it has been show that studying a master de-gree by different


15/36

language it is as a natural abilities and it was appeared when I decided to

learn English as a

second language therefore, lifelong learning give me opportunity to discov-

er my abilities to

learn differentother languages and not just by this it continue to study fur-

ther degree

which presumably I would not have develop if I had stayed working in my

home country.

Another important benefit mentioned byas Nordstrom (2008), is thatmot-

ioned that (2008) lifelong learning allows to for intensive exchange of ideas

and opinions between learners which is consequently spurring personal

growth and open-mindedness. I have experienced through this module how

such an exchange of ideas can be beneficial to ones personal and profes-

sional growth. I did not only get to know other peoples points of view, but I

had the opportunity to express mine whilst in the case of a serious gap

between these views, we had to find a way to respect each other and con-

tinue our cooperation in the class.

exchanges idea and point of views between learners this lead the mind

open and growth.

Reflection my personal to development and be professional as this one ofthis module aim I

have find myself to be knowing another people opinion and explain my own

view to be

exchanges the idea and get benefits from other people opinion then should

be respect their

point of views.


16/36

According toAnother sign highlighted by Nordstrom (2008), lifelong learn-

ing creates mind hunger since

learners are often put in situation in which they are push need to under-standingunderstand more about other cultures, history and current events.

I experienced this as I decided to study abroad and I was in the process of

selecting a country where I would go to. During this process I had to read a

lot about the countries I was considering to go to, and thus I gained from

above idea relative to my experience before choose a counties where

should I counties study I

read and knowledge about many discover about developed counties, what

in result helped to broaden my horizons. which will assist my knowledgeand

understanding improvement so,The key in this process was how my desire

for one type of knowledge, studying for a master degree, led to acquiring of

another set of knowledge, one about other countries,the motivation to read

about these countries reasons to

decided which counties should I choose from this stages I have had been

read about the

customs , history and education This continued even after I decided to

study in UK since I and I was attended course about UK culture , history

and

education system. Therefore, it is clear, that lifelong learning enriching

process in many regards, and as I understood from doing this module, the

reason behind that is lifelong learning that motive me to read and still

read until have full picture about UK because from this module I under-

stand that lifelong

learning means learning ever day a new different thing of certain benefit for

either personal or professional growth.s and do not stop lean each day

some

things which help you .


17/36

In addition, Nordstrom (2008) also indicatedpoints out that lifelong learning

ensures that our life is ready and able to withstand a change. update our

life to changes.

The society is in the state of constant flux and people have tendency to res-

ist changes as they often believe that a change in their way of life is hardly

feasible. At the same time, since sometime we believed that it impossible to

make

changes but this incorrect because lifelong learning encourages us to make

updatechange or update of our life to in line with changes in society, to-

wards

society changes especially in the technological filedtechnology. From my

point of viewMy personal experience supports Nordstroms (2008) claim: in

the past in Saudi Arabia, the contact between a teacher and students were

limited by the necessity to be physically at the same place or by limits of a

phone call. Nowadays, this limitation has been overturned by emails which

enable enough interactivity for communication to be done satisfactorily for

both sides. this is a correct

statement because from my career experience in the past in my job or we

can see in all

university in Saudi Arabia the only way to contact our students in the lectur-

ers or students

can come to see their tutors in the available timetable which provide stu-

dents at the start

course. Nowadays they keep up with uses email between the tutors and

students.

I have learned from my experience of that lifelong learning thatenables oneto be active contributor to the society whilst being also part of educational

program and providing the society with my experience of lifelong learning

through we will still active and contributors to the society

also I will be a part of education programs and provide our society my ex-

perience through

meaningful community involvement (Nordstrom.2008). Therefore, I suggest

that lifelong learning provides one with lasting life advantages both on per-

sonal and professional level.These led me to consideration that


18/36

lifelong learning will provide my life advantages on a personal level and the

practical.

The final point which is essential to point out is thatFinally, lifelong learning

enables to make new

friends and form valuable relationships, and thus it contributes to through-

out lifelong learning new people meets each others

making forging friendships and enjoying an active social life

(Nordstrom.2008). My experience of studying in UK confirms the aforemen-

tioned as I have made many friends from variety of countries that I would

have probably never met, had I stayed in Saudi Arabia. Through these

friends, I have learnt about various cultures and customs, and I have real-

ised how important is to have respect for each other regardless abilities,

age or race. In addition, we should celebrate rather than point at each

others differences. In sum, this constitutes the indirect aspect of lifelong

learning. For my

abroad experience for learning English as a second language I have made a

lot of friends

from differences countries and we have a nice relationship with them and I

have learned a lot

of things about their customs and culture and for this module I have real-

ized that is lifelong

learning indirectly for this point I have taken course it called how to be

have a nice and long

relationship with own friends therefore, it was useful to me because I have

learn it should

respect people regardless of their ability, age, race or background. In

Tthe following section will be explained explains more in details about my

experience of lifelong learning during my study and, workedwork and fur-

ther.

My lifelong learning:


19/36

The current stage of my personal development, study for a master degree,

can be considered to be part of lifelong learning as I have already com-

pleted all three compulsory stages of the formal eduction as defined by

NEMO (2012). In the following lines, I explain my decision to continue with

my education after its formal phase was completed.

AsAs this stages and my personal development I can see my study is

lifelong educational. I did

as NEMO,2012 formal education of attending primary, secondary and

hither schools I was

competed my compulsory schools years and as usually this years I was un-

der my parents

decided but when I get a higher mark in the final year of higher education

and AS aA woman,

I have always been concerned about the wellbeing and healthy develop-

ment of children, in

particular those who are different and need with special care needs. Later, I

decided to do a bachelor degree in the field of Special Education Needs

(SEN) at a university in my home country, Saudi Arabia. There were two ma-

jor reasons for this decision: first, it is a new field of study in a developing

country like Saudi Arabia and second, I have a brother with mental disabil-

ity. My family have faced many difficulties as we did not know at times how

to help my brother. special attention my journal has been start I was

attending the best university in Saudi Arabia decided to do Bachelor degree

in education in

field of Special Education needs(SEB) the reasons behind that are this is a

new filed in my

developing country and I have my brother who suffer from mental disability

it was heard to


20/36

me and my family as well help him because we could not understanding his

case thisThis

motivated me to to study and discover more about his case and disabled

people in generally. I asked many questions: who are disabled people? How

they feel? How can we help those people and how can we support their

families or their teachers?

decided to choose this filed to learn and discovered what is disabled

people?

what the reasons behind this ? How they fell? How can help these people

even as family or

teachers ?the majorities of questions was not understanding at this time.

My choice of

studying especial education also is based on the fact Therefore, this sub-

jectthe subject of mental disability has been part of my life for

a long time. I have always thought that by working in this field I can help to

improve the

quality of life of my students as well as their families and in consequencein

consequence mythe society country in generalitself., WI

think that working with vulnerable people is an incredible opportunity ofto

helpinghelp

and developingdevelop strategies to make it easier for peoples with social

needs and their families in the

process of socializingsocialising and doingconducting of the everyday activ-

ities.

During my undergraduate studiedstudies I attended plenty of cour-

secourses and workshops since the formal

education , especialespecially the for the first year was very engaging.

Largely, the first year is often very general in its focus and offered subjects,

which does not suit the mind hunger of a lifelong learner as described by

Nordstrom (2008) in previous section. To counter this, I it was not good as I

was think since the system of the first

yeas is take the general subjects and as Nordstrom (2008) mentioned early

lifelong learners


21/36

their mind as hunger then I need to be improve my understanding about

these people and

especial my brother so ,I decided to take additional courses offered in other

years. As pointed out by NEMO (2012)every year course which will help me

in the further

as NEMO,2012 said that the , lifelong learning does not take place is not

just in formal setting, but it also includes

informal education. This was demonstrated as I took a course about learn-

ing mentally disabled children to be independent, where I befriended moth-

ers of children with mental disability. The resulting experience was so, I

was taken course to learn how child with mental disability can be

independent and in this course I was make friends from different mothersthey have children

suffer as my brother disability as the result it should be highlight that the

experience which I

get from them is significant because, as Nordstrom (2008) point out that-

suggested, the lifelong learning

it meanoften means learning by receiving practical information from a per-

son with extensive experience of a subject matter. learn some information

by someone who have actual and their experience will help

you sometime rather than learn in formal setting.

In addition, I was attended course forof teaching English as a scornedsec-

ond language, since s the reason

behind that we have there is a lack of recourse for especialchildren with

SEN need in Arabic languages, so wanted to be able to translate later the

English recourses into Arabic. so I am thinking

to take this to be able to read English recourse. The advantages of this

course was lean as

Nordstrom.2008 hightailed that early making nice relationship with the dif-

ferent

nationalises and how they give me some advice about how can I control my

feeling especial

when I tell them I am thinking to study abroad.


22/36

The significantdecisive decidemoment in my undergraduate studies came

was in the third year when I had to choose morethe

specific subject. I opted for learning difficulties.s Even as most of since inthat time there are two choose available for students one of them

was auditory implement and the other was learning difficulties then I go

with the second

choose Since I remember my time and energy have been was spent on

studying and trying to

understand and help those peoplestudents with difficulties to learnlearning

difficulties, I took a course of sign language.

Later, and communicate but during this

year I was take a course was learning sign language for deaf people.

Whilewhile I was working in King Saud University, I was worked helping as a

volunteer in the special

education department, having the opportunity to help and learn from my

colleagues. The

work done My work there was very diverse, from including administrative

processes andto practices in the

classroom.

In addition, unforgottenI enjoyed a unique personal experience was been

aswhilst working as a training teacher in final year with

students who havewith learning difficulties. As they improved their abilities

throughout my stay with them, I had an encouraging feeling of a good job

done. I was did well with my students who have learning

difficulties since they improve their abilities.


23/36

Finally when I graduated, I also had the chance of working with autistic chil-

dren. Given the challenges of understanding these children as individuals,

with autism, which I

findfound my work with them very interesting and, and also motivating. by

the challenge of understanding them as

individuals. Unfortunately, my study did not prepare me very well for such

a job, so I had to take a training course to get myself more familiar with aut-

ism and how it affects childrens life. I was worked with autism students

as teacher as I mentioned early my specific

file is learning difficulties so, before started a job a taken course to know at

least about this Regardless of my studies, I find the theoretical knowledge I

obtained of little use for real-life situations. In

filed as a result which I had training was nothing because the practice it is

hard to applied in

some situation in addition, dunningduring my job, I participated inattend-

ing courses to training training courses of Picture Exchange

Communication System (PECS), itsa kind of language languages use for

used by autismautistic students, especially by those who cannot speak, to

communicationcommunicate

between each other by picturethrough pictures.

especial for autism people who cannot speak. To me the

Personally, for me, learning process is one of the most important elements

in the life of anyan individual; it is

amazing how much people can learn when tutor or teacher with the right

skills and

knowledge accompanies them. They can progress and go as far as they

own limitations allow them.

However, the amount of satisfaction that the students's brigbring back to aclassroom or to thea real


24/36

live is unlimited. As a teacher, I do believe that one of the most important

elements in the

learning process is to listen to my students., Itit does not matter if they are

able to speak or not

, for as a teacher, I should be able to read body language and in any case,

to try to deal sensitively with their emotions

and feeling.

In 2007, I was decided to go study abroad. The mainthe reason for this

was my intention to develop development practical knowledge

in my specific filedof my specific work field as in deed I need to focus onsome issues related to pupils with SEN. Given because

I believed thatthe fact that developed counties has a long history in edu-

cating students with SEN, and given my specific professional and personal

goals, I decided to do a master degree in England. about especial need stu-

dents in order to

achieve my professional and personal goals I have decided to do a Master

degree in England

thenYet my marks were not accepted and my admission was refused.

Therefore, I decided to applyied atin my myhome university as my mark

can be accepted to be able to have

place of for a place of a one of the member of staff member at the depart-

ment of special education. My first responsibility was supervising final year

students teaching children with learning difficulties. Before taking up this

particular job, I attended 2 weeks training for supervisors. I successfully

completed one year after which it was possible for me to apply for a schol-

arship to study a master degree in England.

My participation in lifelong learning process has been spurred by the needs

of my professional career. After completing my formal education, I felt I was

not fully ready for my profession and I needed more knowledge and skills to

excel in my work field. In the future, I intend to complet the formal part es-

pecial schools staff and the department at the first time

allowed me to be supervisor for training students who are in the final lyear who teach


25/36

students with learning difficulties but before that I have taken course

about 2 weeks to know

how be a good supervisor it was a heard to me to advise and assessment

students but I

completed successful one year since it was necessary to completed if I

need to get

scholarship after this year my dram to be able to study master come a

troth.

At this time I have be completed my lifelong learning informal and formal

education since I

need to development my knowledge and abilities about this filed because

during my life I

found myself as swimmer in the sea of especial need but I was still do not

have more

information that fell my I am as a professional person in this filed but I have

get benefit from

this module development knowledge and skills need more time and study

to be professional

in any field even if personal life.

of my lifelong learning by pursuing PhD degree, and start academic career

since I want to motivate and inspire my students to get the most out of

their education as I have been trying to do.

In this regard, it is worth noting that, as My future plane regarding to

lifelong learning to be completed my lifelong learning in formal

seething so I have plan to going to county PHD degree to be able to help

my students in my

university to be more motivation and satisfaction from their study as Almo-

haissin (2006)


26/36

believedpoints out, that teacher is the essential foundationelement of any

educational system. By extension, Withoutwithout properly trained and edu-

cated

teacherteachers aware of their responsibilities, no educational system can

achieve its objectives. trainees aware of the clever role in a holistic manner

cannot any educational system

to achieve its objectives. With the rapid changing structures of the world

around us, we have entered the era change of times and the world enters

the era of

globalizationglobalisation, communications and technology, where have in-

creased the need for a teacher to continuously educate himself and to put

lot of effort into his professional development to meet the demands of stu-

dents and the community has never been higher. A teachers job is thus not

only to facilitate the transfer of knowledge to students, but equally import-

ant to make sure this knowledge is relevant and up-to-date.

development is constantly evolving with the times; to meet the needs of

the student and the

community. Those need which the tag was constantly changing. For thisreason the need

arose to keep up with the teacher changes the times.

FurthermoreTherefore, I believe that formal education, in form of my master

degree and eventually PhD degree, is huge asset for my teaching career as

I will acquire skills that should assist me in facing the aforementioned chal-

lenges of a teaching job these days. In addition, by pursuing formal educa-

tion in UK, I am constantly receiving benefits of informal learning through

interaction with my tutor, friends and people generally. assist my job to be

improvement because I will get formal education regarding

to my master and PHD degree and do not forget the benefits which I get

and still from


27/36

informal learning in my period here in the UK regarding informal education

which I get from

my tutor of this module such as who to make good relationship with my

students as

well as my colleges this will be my result which I hope done for my stu-

dents and my job.

Reflection of my experience of lifelong learning:

It is worth stating at this point that as a student from Saudi Arabia, I have

faced special kind of challenges that did make my experience of lifelong

learning difficult at times and it will continue to do so. There are several

reasons for this. The main reason is the cultural factor. There are traditional

reservations in my society towards a woman travelling and studying abroad

alone. Furthermore, the society does not value teachers and teaching ca-

reer so much since people do not see benefits in education given learning

performance is usually not a key factor to get a job, so much as there is not

much of pressure to perform well in schools. Moreover, people often do not

understand that for some the motivation to learn and teach comes from

within, as in my case. Such belief is evidently against one already men-

tioned characteristic of lifelong learning: the strong inner desire to educate

oneself.

Regarding to my reflection of my lifelong learning as I am student from

Middle East


28/36

especial from Saudi Arabia I always faceting challenges to achieve my aims

future where did

not I get this stage easily and I will not be continue easily as well because I

have been faceted

plenty of difficulties for my lifelong learning regarding to my coulter such

as it is allowed

me to study abroad alone also the society does not support people who

need to be learners

since in the employment system there is no different between employ enter

who has more

experience than others this lead people to have formal education since they

do not see

different but because this motivation come from my inside as Smith (1997)

cited in (Wang,

2008) mentioned early the important feature should be appear a lifelong

learner desire from person its self.

FromAnother set of challenges faced by a participant in lifelong learning isbased on the another point of view, there is issues challenges lifelong learn-

ing such as lack of

motivation, time, and adequate resources., moreoverMoreover one can ex-perience other difficulties as well, , more difficulties problem such as gapsina lack

of weakness of knowledge, deficit, personal reluctance to change, ambival-ence towards personal and professional development. The cure for this isthe right type of mentality and positive attitude which makes learning anenjoyable process of self-improvement, and which , motivates person to-wards further education and group

mentality, it must be improve skills and knowledge and make effort to im-prove a positive

attitude, enjoyment, and motivation toward learning (Cabana et al. (1999)cited in Collins

(2009)).Yet, regardless of the aforementioned challenges, I think my decision to

pursue further education abroad was a right one. This module and espe-


29/36

cially the topic of this paper has enabled me to reflect more on my experi-

ence of lifelong learning and has given me an opportunity to see the pro-

gress I have made during my stay in UK. I want to use this experience to

motivate student back home to think thoroughly about the idea of lifelong

learning. As my consideration from this module especial for this topic and to

improve my skills

as a tutor career I have learned and development my personal experienceto encourages my

students when I return to my university to be as As( Parkinson (, 1999)points out, strategiespint out some ways that

canto motivationmotivate attributeattributes of lifelong learning can be de-veloped and this strategies based onusing several

basic elements: encouraging students own responsibility for their learning,providing this including to have students responsibilities for their learningduring at the

university such as providing opportunities outside the classroom, and en-courages motivation

motivating for students to seek get benefits of self-directed learning, andproviding courses of learning skills and time management. as well as teach-ing students how to be

learn such as how to be learn through individual or group activities andhow to manage the

time. ThereforeIn this regard, this module has providesprovided me with

tools to support my opportunities to support lifelong learning of my stu-dents by some

activities that support lifelong learning are as illustrated in the Figure 1 by((Parkinson, (1999).

cCited in (Wang , (2008)):


30/36

Figure 1.Activities support lifelong learning (Parkinson, 1999).

After considering all the ideas above, the next section will conclude this pa-

per.

Conclusion:

This paper intended to Thispresent my personal experience with the

concept of lifelong learning. Part of this process was this module which had

given me offered valuable benefitsinformation of how to improve my experi-

ence throughof

lifelong learning as well as how to proceed in the future with my self-devel-

opment. it had allowed me the vision of new prospects in developing

myself. I had learntlearnt that learningeducation does not limit itself on aparticular time or place but it is in fact


31/36

that everything that can giveprovides benefits for self-development either

officialdirectly or indirectly or not. I had understood that improving my

personal skills means to know how to implement the conceptidea of lifelong

learning into my personal life and and how

to transform this experienceestablish this notion into my career at the level

of my colleagues and students. In addition, this module equipped me with

practical knowledge how toI had held

from this module a thought of supportingsupport my students understand-

ing of with the concept of lifelong learning

through some points indicatedpresented by Y(young , (2012): . Readin-

greading different books of various topics, with different

subjects, maintenancemaintaining and continuing the learning habits, mak-

ingforming relationships with skilful and valuable people who can intellectu-

ally provide for others, participating in group activities to

in thinking and learning in groups to attempt to activate their thinking and

practical use of knowledge rather than just passively not only receiving and

keeping knowledge from the teacher.

This concept is a very important to be considered in our country as a for de-

veloping country such as Saudi Arabia, as the society there is transformingand the key to successful transformation is sound educational system.

Therefore, developing countries need and

this notion is needed in our country to help to developing reform their edu-

cational systems. One of the ways to do so is by n and supporting support-

ing the formal

and informal lifelong learning, and thus encourage qualitative growth of in-

dividuals and with them whole communities.

because we need to improve our community to achieve out social and

individual interests.I am determined to continue presenting benefits of

lifelong learning in lectures, seminars, schools and institutes

In regards to colleagues I am trying hard to presenting lectures, seminars

and visiting schools


32/36

and institutes in Saudi Arabia with the goal of enabling new generation of

students to get the best out of their education for their own benefits as for

the benefits of the whole society. to enable students to get informal learn-

ing which can reflect the benefits to

those students and ourselves too as factors in one field.


33/36

References:

Al - Mohaissin, I., 2006. Lifelong learning for teachers. [online]

Available at: http://www.mohyssin.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3562

[Accessed 15 March 2012].

Collins, J., 2009. Education Techniques for Lifelong Learning: Lifelong Learning in the 21st

Century and Beyond. RadioGraphics, 29, pp.613-622. [online]

Available at: http://radiographics.rsna.org/content/29/2/613.full.pdf+html

[Accessed 2 April 2012].

Delors, J., 1996. Learning: The treasure within. Report to UNESCO of the International

Commission on Education for the Twenty-first Century, UNESCO

Education Team, 2009. LIFELONG LEARNING AND ITS IMPORTANCE TO SPATIAL

PLANNING. [online]

Available at: http://www.rtpi.org.uk/item/2886


Harvey, L., 2004. Lifelong learning. . [Onlineonline]

Available at: http://www.qualityresearchinternational.com/glossary/lifelonglearning.htm

[Accessed 15th March 2012].
http://www.mohyssin.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3562http://radiographics.rsna.org/content/29/2/613.full.pdf+htmlhttp://www.rtpi.org.uk/item/2886http://www.qualityresearchinternational.com/glossary/lifelonglearning.htmhttp://radiographics.rsna.org/content/29/2/613.full.pdf+htmlhttp://www.rtpi.org.uk/item/2886http://www.qualityresearchinternational.com/glossary/lifelonglearning.htmhttp://www.mohyssin.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3562


34/36

ALmohaissin ,I,(2006) lifelong learning for teachers .[Online] Available at:

http://www.mohyssin.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3562 [Accessed 15th March 2012].

Lifelong Learning Council Queenland Inc., 2011. WHAT IS LIFELONG LEARNING?[on-

line]

Available at: http://www.llcq.org.au/01_cms/details.asp?ID=12


Network of European museum originations ( NEMO), ,(2012.)

What is lifelong learning. .[Onlineonline]

Available at: http://www.ne-mo.org/index.php?id=220

[Accessed 15th March 2012].

Education Teamc , (2009) LIFELONG LEARNING AND ITS IMPORTANCE TO

SPATIAL PLANNING . [Online] Available at: http://www.rtpi.org.uk/item/2886 [Accessed 2

th April 2012].

Collins, J. Lifelong Learning in the 21st Century and Beyond. Education Techniques for

Lifelong Learning .lifelong learning 29, 613-622. [Online] Available at:

http://radiographics.rsna.org/content/29/2/613.full.pdf+html [Accessed 2 th April 2012].

Nordstrom, N.,(2008).Top 10 Benefits Of Lifelong Learning [Onlineonline]

Available at:

http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Top_10_Benefits_of_Lifelong_Learning.html

Accessed 5th April 2012].

On line teaching strategies, 2012. Indirect instruction. [online]
http://www.mohyssin.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3562http://www.llcq.org.au/01_cms/details.asp?ID=12http://www.ne-mo.org/index.php?id=220http://www.rtpi.org.uk/item/2886http://radiographics.rsna.org/content/29/2/613.full.pdf+htmlhttp://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Top_10_Benefits_of_Lifelong_Learning.htmlhttp://www.mohyssin.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3562http://www.llcq.org.au/01_cms/details.asp?ID=12http://www.ne-mo.org/index.php?id=220http://www.rtpi.org.uk/item/2886http://radiographics.rsna.org/content/29/2/613.full.pdf+htmlhttp://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Top_10_Benefits_of_Lifelong_Learning.html


35/36

Available at:

http://www.saskschools.ca/curr_content/onlineteach/instructionalstrategies/indirectinstruction/i

ndirect.htm


Smethurst, R., 1995. 'Education: a public or private good?' RSA Journal, 143 (5465), pp 33-

45.

Wang,H., (2008.)Lifelong Learning in Information Age . School of Informa-tion Sciences and Technology :Pennsylvania State University : PA 16803 USA

On line teaching strategies,(2012),indirect instruction [Online], Available at:

http://www.saskschools.ca/curr_content/onlineteach/instructionalstrategies/indirectinstruction/i

ndirect.htm [Accessed 2th April 2012].

Delors, J. (1996) Learning: The treasure within Report to UNESCO of the International

Commission on Education for the Twenty-first Century, UNESCO

Lifelong Learning Council Queenland Inc ,2011 WHAT IS LIFELONG LEARNING? [On-

line], Available at:

http://www.llcq.org.au/01_cms/details.asp?ID=12 [Accessed 2th April 2012].

Smethurst, R. (1995)'Education: a public or private good?' RSA Journal Volume CXLIII

No.5465 December 1995 pp 33-45
http://www.saskschools.ca/curr_content/onlineteach/instructionalstrategies/indirectinstruction/indirect.htmhttp://www.saskschools.ca/curr_content/onlineteach/instructionalstrategies/indirectinstruction/indirect.htmhttp://www.saskschools.ca/curr_content/onlineteach/instructionalstrategies/indirectinstruction/indirect.htmhttp://www.saskschools.ca/curr_content/onlineteach/instructionalstrategies/indirectinstruction/indirect.htmhttp://www.llcq.org.au/01_cms/details.asp?ID=12http://www.saskschools.ca/curr_content/onlineteach/instructionalstrategies/indirectinstruction/indirect.htmhttp://www.saskschools.ca/curr_content/onlineteach/instructionalstrategies/indirectinstruction/indirect.htmhttp://www.saskschools.ca/curr_content/onlineteach/instructionalstrategies/indirectinstruction/indirect.htmhttp://www.saskschools.ca/curr_content/onlineteach/instructionalstrategies/indirectinstruction/indirect.htmhttp://www.llcq.org.au/01_cms/details.asp?ID=12


36/36

Lifelong Final (Edited)

Documents