LIFELONG LEARNING IN THE KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY -CHALLENGES FOR TAIWAN Prof. Tsai Ching-Hwa Institute of Education, National Sun Yat-sen University Chen I-Yin.

LIFELONG LEARNING IN THE KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY-CHALLENGES FOR TAIWANProf. Tsai Ching-HwaInstitute of Education, National Sun Yat-sen UniversityChen I-Yin Institute of Education, National Sun Yat-sen University

International Conference On Learning And Community Enrichment 2012

Outline

• General Background Information• Knowledge Economy & Lifelong learning

• Literature review• Traditional learning model and lifelong learning

• Discussion• Challenges for Taiwan

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Knowledge Economy• Knowledge Economy(OECD,1996)• The knowledge-based economy • It relies on the ideas rather than physical abilities. • It has transforming the demands of the labor market.

• People who want to enhance competitive have to deal with these demands.

• People need more learning opportunities.• People require a new model of education and training.• Learning opportunities more important than age.

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General Background Information

Lifelong learning1. Lifelong learning is a new type of learning.2. Framework, from early childhood through retirement3. A learning range from formal education to non-

formal education to informal learning• According to the International Standard Classification for

Education (UNESCO, 1997) • Formal education: the system of schools, full time

education for children and young people • Non-formal education: educational activities not

definition to formal education but cater to persons of all ages

• Informal learning : can not classified as formal or non-formal, may take place by self-directed learning or at work place or within the family

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General Background Information

Traditional learning model and lifelong learning

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Traditional learning Lifelong learning

•The teacher is the source of knowledge.

• Educators are guides to sources of knowledge

•Learners receive knowledge from the teacher.

• People learn by doing.

•Learners work by themselves. • People learn in groups and from each other.

•Tests are given to prevent progress until students have completely mastered a set of skills and to ration access to further learning.

•Assessment is used to guide learning strategies and identify pathways for future learning.

Literature review

Source: Lifelong learning in the global knowledge economy: challenges for developing countries (p.29), World Bank, 2003.

Traditional learning model and lifelong learning

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Traditional learning Lifelong learning

•All learners do the same thing • Educators develop individualized learning plans.

•Teachers receive initial training plus ad hoc in-service training.

• Educators are lifelong learners. Initial training and on-going professional development are linked.

•“Good” learners are identified and permitted to continue their education.

• People have access to learning opportunities over a lifetime.

Source: Lifelong learning in the global knowledge economy: challenges for developing countries (p.29), World Bank, 2003.

Literature review

Why we need lifelong learning in knowledge economy? 1. Lifelong learning can help us accumulating

knowledge and let it contribute to economy.

2. Developing countries with economy risk because education and training systems are not equipping learners with the skills they need.

3. Lifelong learning is crucial to preparing workers to compete in the global knowledge economy, that is, creating a labor force.

• Knowledge economy and lifelong learning are closely related.

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Research question & Discussion

What challenges do we face in promote lifelong learning in Taiwan?Things need to improve•Formal education need to become more flexible and meet learner’s lifelong needs.•Teacher training needs to change.•Using technology to reach more learners.•Expanding learning opportunities and encourage the disadvantaged groups join the learning activities.•For disadvantaged groups, we need to decrease the learning gap.

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Research question & Discussion

What challenges do we face in promote lifelong learning in Taiwan?Things need to improve•The private and public sectors need to work together and more communication, the private sector playing an important role in education. •Policymakers need to rethink the limited resources and repeated giving, and improve lifelong learning finance support system.•Lack assessment in lifelong learning.

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Research question & Discussion

Summary of challenges for Taiwan

AffordableSustainableLimited resourcesPromotes lifelong learning ( for people in general and in disadvantaged groups )

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Result

Lifelong learning 331 in Taiwan March 16,2012

• The ministry of education in Taiwan, in order to encourage the society to jointly promote lifelong learning and make people understand that learning is an essential activity in daily life.

• Recently policy in lifelong learning,

1.Lifelong exercise2.Lifelong learning3.Lifelong reflection

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Lifelong learning Policy

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It’s never late to start learning!Thank You For Your Attention

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