Lifelong Learning

*Lifelong Learning




Lifelong Learning Defined Taught vs. non-taught learning theory.
Lifelong Learning and Your Future Why lifelong learning is important & how to establish a personal plan.
Professional Development Information for persons currently part of the workforce seeking
to take responsibility for their own professional development.

Career Development Career Couseling Services, a resource for currently
enrolled students.
Faculty Faculty Professional Development-useful resources for teaching & learning.


This site is a participant of the Project.


What is Lifelong Learning?

Lifelong learning is defined as learning that continues throughout an individuals lifetime. Lifelong learning can range from the most highly formal and structured educational activities to the most informal modes of learning. Lifelong learning encompasses many different levels, purposes, contents, outcomes and motives for learning. Lifelong learning can be provided in a variety of learning styles and approaches. Lifelong learning can be either"taught or non-taught" learning.

Taught learning: refers to courses taken. Includes courses taken using packaged materials provided by an employer or training provider.

Non-taught: is self directed learning, a concept that has recently gained a great deal of attention and usage. Also included in this category is supervised on-the-job training.


Why and How Should One
Participate in Lifelong Learning?




Lifelong Learning and Your Future

Why Lifelong Learning?

Motivation for learning in the first place is primarily job or employment related. In the future, companies will seek knowledge workers who take responsibility for their own professional development. Lifelong learning will become a must for workers of the future. Effective lifelong learning is a key element to being successful. Most of us wish to learn things to help us improve ourselves, but we don't always use the most effective methods to do so.





Getting Started

Step 1-

Establish A Personal Plan:

  • Set career milestones and review them yearly
  • Decide which skills are the most important for advancement and focus on what it is you need to learn
  • Write your goals down and prioritize your learning- having written goals will help you focus
  • Identify learning opportunities
  • Seek out good learning situation-learning situations need not be formal classroom settings
  • Make a commitment to lifelong learning-don't make the mistake of relying on employers for training
  • Keep your technical skills updated and constantly develop interpersonal skills



  • Step 2-

    Self-Assessment:

    A self-assessment is a way to enhance self-understanding.
    It is being able to describe your unique characteristics and abilities clearly and accurately regarding:

  • What you do well (skills)
  • What is important to you (values)
  • What you like to do (interests)
  • Reviewing and analyzing your past and present experiences will increase self-understanding.
    Increasing your knowledge of your skills, values, and interest will help determine
    what you should focus on learning.


    Click here to start
    your Self-assessment




    Dariel M. Terry
    2011
    dterry@nvcc.edu