Role of Local Governments in Life Long Learning

Abstract

The learning process which used to be called apprenticeship and non-formal education previously, and which has become “lifelong learning†with the 2000s is in fact a reflection of the characteristics of the current era that we live in. Rapid changes that occur in social structure caused theoretical information to become more necessary in postindustrial societies to make the required innovations and political decisions, so that information has become a key concept.  At this type of society, individuals are forced to learn throughout their lives in order to keep up with the society that they live in. Lifelong learning is defined as the entire learning activities that happen in an individual’s personal, societal and employment perspectives, which continue throughout life with the aim of enhancing information, skills and competence. In sum lifelong learning is a process which starts with an individual’s birth and ends with its death. In formal education lifelong learning is carried on according to a curriculum and outside school, it is mostly applied by giving certificates of competency based on work skills development and improvement. In addition to this, there are trainings where people can attend to improve their weak skills where they need or in areas to get more information and skills (talent). According to the “Adult Training Research†held by Turkish Statistical Institute, participation of Turkish population at age 18 and above in non-formal education is found to be %17. These ratios are very low when compared to western countries. A study to improve lifelong learning has been accelerated. Lifelong learning operations are being held at first by Ministry of National Education, universities, municipalities, confederations, Turkish Employment Organization, syndicates etc. Especially the course varieties and participant rate in metropolitan municipalities, cities and districts has an important place regarding lifelong learning.  Hence, at the report prepared for 2014-2018 period by Ministry of National Education the “Turkish Life Long Learning Strategy Document and Action Planâ€, the need for local governments to take effective role in lifelong learning is emphasized. Main objective of this study is: to discuss the role of local governments in lifelong learning regarding the number of courses, participants, demographics of the participants and reasons for participation.    

 

Keywords: lifelong learning; local governments; formal education; lifelong learning in Turkey