Life Skill Education Through Lifelong Learning

This book seeks to prepare students for life after high school by encouraging the development of certain skills that will serve them well in the workplace. By stressing the importance of taking responsibility for learning, reflecting on and evaluating information, learning through research, and using information and communications technology, Lifelong Learning Skills seeks to prepare the reader to successfully enter the work force and continue to flourish professionally as a result of these good habits that can and should be practiced throughout one’s entire life.

A study investigated what Scottish and English young people consider important life skills, how they believe they develop them, and how necessary they see them to their future lives. More than 200 16-21-year-olds examined photographs of events related to basic life tasks, family, close relationships, work or school and leisure activities and then identified skills involved. Life skills they identified as important largely agreed with those described by education authorities. They considered the most important, essential life skills to be communication and interpersonal skills. Young people believed these skills were also those that employers consider essential; valued and saw employment experience as the major influence in developing life skills; added creative and aesthetic skills and physical and coordination skills to the traditional list of key skills; described wide applications of problem solving and critical thinking skills; and saw family, work, friends, and school as the main influences on skill development. Future considerations were identified as school curriculum; work experience; creative and aesthetic skills and motor coordination skills; interagency cooperation; information and communication technology; socially disadvantaged young people; community education services; learning support; and promotion of a culture of learning. (Appendixes include 17 references and life skills matrixes for 16- and 21-year olds.) (YLB)

SUCCESS SKILLS focuses on how to learn; thinking and communication skills; and technology and information management. Users learn success strategies required in today's academic and workplace environments. The five key areas of this text include: learning how to learn; becoming an active reader; listening, memory, and note-taking mastery; testing and critical thinking skills; and information gathering, research and writing skills. SUCCESS SKILLS positions learners to be successful in today's multifaceted workplace.

Since the concept of lifelong learning came to prominence much excellent work has been undertaken but, as Professor Longworth's new book shows, major change in some areas is still needed if the concept of learning from cradle to grave is to become a true reality. Using his unique vantage point from consulting with schools, universities, local, governmental and global authorities, Professor Longworth brings the development of lifelong learning bang up-to-date with a complete survey of the principles of lifelong learning including examples from around the world and crucial information on the impact of lifelong learning on 21st century schools.

This report proposes more resources be devoted to education, nationally and internationally, and for international cooperation in education with UNESCO as a key player.

The bestselling author of Traffic and You May Also Like now offers a thought-provoking, playful investigation into the transformative joys that come with starting something new, no matter one's age.