Global Perspectives On Higher Education And Lifelong Learners

Assessing the shifting relationship between Higher Education and Lifelong Learning through detailed longitudinal case studies from UK, Canada, USA, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and a wide variety of European countries, the book also examines the issues from the perspective of developing countries.

Responding to the emerging needs of lifelong learners arguably represents one of the most fundamental challenges facing higher education systems of the countries of the developing world. At the start of the new century the concept of Lifelong Learning may indeed be counted as one of the the key organising concepts underlying public policy in many countries. The interpretation of the concept, however, remains highly contested. This timely book throws new light on the dramatic changes taking place in higher education through an exploration of the participation of "non-traditional" students in ten countries. Among others, the following areas are explored: * the complex reality behind the statistics on participation in higher education in five European countries (Austria, Germany, Ireland, Sweden and the United Kingdom), North America, Japan, Australia and New Zealand * contrasting perceptions of lifelong learning * changing patterns of participation by adults in higher education * national and institutional policies and innovations to accommodate non-traditional students and new forms of study * conclusions for policy, practice and research Higher Education for Lifelong Learners will be of interest to academics, researchers and students involved with higher education, lifelong learning, and comparative education as well as policy makers, educational managers and administrators. The contributions reveal a remarkable transformation in the student body and in the way learners pursue their studies, highlighting the international impact of increasing marketisation and differentiation on the nature of the higher education accessible to potential lifelong learners.

Responding to the emerging needs of lifelong learners arguably represents one of the most fundamental challenges facing higher education systems of the countries of the developing world. At the start of the new century the concept of Lifelong Learning may indeed be counted as one of the the key organising concepts underlying public policy in many countries. The interpretation of the concept, however, remains highly contested. This timely book throws new light on the dramatic changes taking place in higher education through an exploration of the participation of "non-traditional" students in ten countries. Among others, the following areas are explored: * the complex reality behind the statistics on participation in higher education in five European countries (Austria, Germany, Ireland, Sweden and the United Kingdom), North America, Japan, Australia and New Zealand * contrasting perceptions of lifelong learning * changing patterns of participation by adults in higher education * national and institutional policies and innovations to accommodate non-traditional students and new forms of study * conclusions for policy, practice and research Higher Education for Lifelong Learners will be of interest to academics, researchers and students involved with higher education, lifelong learning, and comparative education as well as policy makers, educational managers and administrators. The contributions reveal a remarkable transformation in the student body and in the way learners pursue their studies, highlighting the international impact of increasing marketisation and differentiation on the nature of the higher education accessible to potential lifelong learners.

Universities and Engagement is a timely and insightful book that examines what universities can contribute to their communities and economies through lifelong learning, a topic which is of increasing importance to Higher Education Institutions across the world. The book will offer an answer to the question ‘What can be understood by University Lifelong Learning today?’ by collating the work of specialists from across Europe and beyond who have first-hand experience in the field of university engagement through continuing education. With a diverse range of expertise from the UK, Ireland, Germany, Finland, Malta, Belgium, New Zealand, Austria and the USA, readers are guaranteed a varied and informative collection of perspectives on this important topic. Taken as a whole, the book provides a theoretical background for readers, drawing on recent research and practice examples from a variety of countries and institutional settings, as well as demonstrating a variety of conceptual approaches, confirming the diverse range of possible solutions. Key topics covered include: research into policy and practice; engaging with business and industry; engaging with communities; engaging with an ageing society; active citizenship and regional competitiveness. Developed in collaboration with the European University Continuing Education Network (EUCEN), Universities and Engagement is an invaluable contribution to research in the subject of lifelong learning. It will be of value to academics, practitioners and professionals with an interest in higher education and community management, and will be particularly suited to those interested in lifelong learning, adult education and community development.

Taking an international perspective, the authors examine the theoretical and practical aspects of lifelong learning. A number of issues and key areas of debate are addressed in different national and international contexts and case studies are provided from countries including Hong Kong.

Transnational higher education was triggered largely by the marketization of higher education, which itself manifests in such characteristics as academic rankings, institutional branding, and an emphasis on managerialism. Recent advances in technology, and the global COVID-19 pandemic, have also driven a “virtual” internationalization of higher education, with universities expanding their digital footprints overseas, accelerating their distance education offerings, and exploring such innovations as virtual exchange programs. Global Perspectives on the Internationalization of Higher Education documents contemporary perspectives on the internationalization of higher education and considers its history throughout the years in order to understand potential future directions. Covering key topics such as student recruitment, institutional branding, and student mobility, this premier reference source is ideal for administrators, principals, researchers, academicians, practitioners, scholars, instructors, and students.

The purpose of education has been debated in recent years, especially surrounding its curriculum and structure. In order to fully understand this discussion, the relationship between education and the labor market must be explored. Global Perspectives on Work-Based Learning Initiatives is a pivotal reference source that provides vital research on recent progress in selected countries across the globe in educational programs designed to better prepare students for the workforce through the use of work-related learning. While highlighting topics such as degree apprenticeships, integrated learning strategy, and economic development, this book is ideally designed for education administrators, professors, business and education professionals, academicians, researchers, and graduate-level students seeking current research on the relationship between the education and labor market.

The worldwide appearance and expression of adult education and lifelong learning have changed significantly during the past 20 years. This book explores recent changes in their related national and international policies, how they intersect with developments in higher education and how they may contribute to debates on citizenship and democracy.