Logo image
What makes an Australian lifelong learner? Social influences on propensity to lifelong learning
Dissertation   Open access

What makes an Australian lifelong learner? Social influences on propensity to lifelong learning

Robert D White
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast
2013
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00206
pdf
PDF - Thesis3.88 MBDownloadView
ThesisPDF - Thesis Open Access

Abstract

attributes determinants economy equity lifelong learning pedagogy policy prospensity
Present Australian education policy is predicated upon what is described as an "education revolution" (Rudd & Smith, 2007), part of a human capital revolution, a policy which is intended to encompass social and economic aspects of people's lives and be lifelong. Over the past decade, and paralleling present Australian education policy, international and supranational institutions, such as International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), continue to promote education generally and lifelong learning specifically. They argue it is the only viable policy response to the growing globalisation of societies and their economies (International Labour Organisation, 2000a; Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, 2004). The Australian policy expectation that all Australians should be lifelong learners reflects and embraces that global perspective. However, what motivates Australians to continue learning over their lifespan is not well understood, nor is it certain whether all Australians can be lifelong learners; and there is evidence that not all wish to be. Asking What makes an Australian lifelong learner? raises significant implications for Australians individually, and as a society. It goes to the heart of economic and human capital theory and policy and, more importantly, to the heart of people's lived experience, their quality of and purpose in life - their way of being in society.

Details

Metrics

70 File views/ downloads
1381 Record Views
Logo image