What are the skills of lifelong learning?

Lifelong learning is an increasingly discussed issue for quite some time, at governmental level as well as professional groups and educational institutions. "Learning is the key to prosperity - for each of us as individuals, as well as for the nation as a whole. Investment in human capital will be the foundation of success in the knowledge-based global economy of the twenty-first century. This is why the Government has put learning at the heart of its ambition. Our first policy paper addressed school standards. This Green Paper sets out for consultation how learning throughout life will build human capital by encouraging the acquisition of knowledge and skills and emphasising creativity and imagination. The fostering of an enquiring mind and the love of learning are essential to our future success..." (Blankett 1998)

There are many different ways of learning and these are all thought of under a general heading called the study skills. The learning is of different kinds. There is the learning of physical skills like catching a ball and riding a bicycle, which can be perfected with practice of the related activities, till eventually you do not even have to think for these actions become automatic. But with reference to gaining knowledge there are different kinds of skills needed to learn. Some of these relate to forming habits of study: Like setting a timetable for the study, when to sit down to study, how long to study for, when to have breaks. Concentration is not held for long periods and having short breaks can help to feel more energetic. One also needs to develop own technique to allow one to speed up particular tasks like making notes, filing information etc.

Study skills are ever more important to learning as they help us to develop our strategies for learning. Everyone learns in the manner most comfortable to him or her. Therefore it is essential to discover how YOU learn best. These will include:

•             Reading

•             Literature Review

•             Preparing for Lecture

•             Making Notes

•             Use of Concept Mapping to aid memory

•             Essay Writing

•             Seminar Presentations

•             Projects

•             Time Management

•             Exam Techniques

For example, knowledge can be gained by reading and understanding as well as applying it to reality, the skills can be gained by doing and practicing while attitudes are gained by reading and understanding and observation of the society around us.