Lifelong learning as a policy response

Phil McKenzie, ACER

Article comments

Paper presented at the 1998 CEET Research Conference: "Rapid Economic Change & Lifelong Learning"

Abstract

On-going economic and social changes have increased the importance of up-to-date skills and knowledge. A growing share of economic activity is knowledge- and information- intensive, and the complexities of modern society require people to be open to new ideas and adept at new ways of doing things. Those who are not able to anticipate and adapt to change are likely to become increasingly marginalised in economic and social life. Concerns such as these have fuelled considerable interest in the lifelong learning concept in recent years. What is not so clear, though, is what lifelong learning actually means, and what policy actions may be necessary to bring it about. This paper attempts to identify the major elements of a lifelong learning framework and the policy priorities that it implies. The discussion is illustrated by comparisons of Australia's educational participation and attainment with other OECD countries.