eKourier July 2020

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

LIFE LONG LEARNING

L ifelong learning is defined as “the ongoing voluntary and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge for either personal or professional reasons. Therefore, it not only enhances social inclusion, active citizenship and personal development, but also self-sustainability, as well as employability.” How does this proposi- tion manifest itself in reality? Do we run the risk of becoming obsolete without continued lifelong learning? Change is inevitable. One key to staying relevant and valuable is to invest in our continued learning and development. While researching this topic I came across many informative articles on lifelong learning. Here are some interesting exerts that may be of value: - 73% of adults consider themselves lifelong learners. (1) - 74% of adults participate in activi- ties to advance their knowledge about something that personally interests them. (1) - Online courses are overshadowed by more informal and social methods of learning. (1) - We’re all consuming content from multiple sources all the time. - 81% of 18-29 year olds identified themselves as lifelong learners. (1) - Forbes argued that millennials are prioritising happiness and learning because they understand the link between the two. (2)

- Change also means unlearning. We have to both learn and unlearn. Some skills will become obsolete. This may be some years away but Brian Krzanich, the C.E.O. of Intel, recently questioned the need to learn to drive when he said “I believe my grandchildren will not drive.” Which will give them a lot of time to learn something else…” - Learners have the key responsibility. Your employer has a responsibility to create a culture for continuous learning. But it’s really down to you: If you want to be a lifelong employee you have to be a lifelong learner. You are responsible for your own development and self-motiva- tion. To learn and keep learning becomes one of the most important life skills. - Michael Simmons has argued "If you’re not spending five hours per week learning, you’re being irresponsible." (3) - Alan Tuckett writing on the World Economic Forum site makes the point that “Learning throughout life makes sense. Research shows it is good for your health, your wealth, your civic engagement and your family’s future prospects. It prolongs your independent life and enriches your quality of life.” (4) - John Coleman argues we all need to Make Learning a Lifelong Habit. This is not as easy as it sounds. Coleman argues “Continuous and persistent learning isn’t merely a decision. It must become a habit.” In order to be successful he

suggests: - Setting realistic goals - Develop and be part of a learning community - Avoid distractions that detract from deep learning - Use technology to supplement learning, from podcasts to online courses. (5) Someone once said “You cant always predict the changes in the landscape but through lifelong learning you can be prepared for them”. It is my hope that KSS can continue to support you on your own personal and professional lifelong learning journey. *(1) https://www.pewresearch.org/ internet/2016/03/22/lifelong-learning- and-technology/ *(2) https://www.forbes.com/ sites/sarahlandrum/2017/09/15/ how-learning-leads-to-happiness-for- millennials/#e4198c960c5a* *(3) https://medium.com/accelerated- intelligence/the-5-hour-rule-if-youre-not- spending-5-hours-per-week-learning- you-re-being-irresponsible-791c3f18f5e6 *(4) https://www.weforum.org/ agenda/2017/07/lifelong-learning-helps- governments-business/

*(5) https://hbr.org/2017/01/ make-learning-a-lifelong-habit

Wayne Brown Training and Development Manager

19 Kennards Kourier July 2020