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Ann Stokes, Researcher, Institutes of Technology of Ireland (IOTI) FLLLEX Project Meeting, KH Leuven 22nd February 2010

EU level funding received to undertake parent project: The Impact of Lifelong Learning Strategies on Professional Higher Education in Europe

Timeframe: 2009-2012 KH Leuven – project lead Institutes of Technology of Ireland (IOTI)

lead partner in WP1report: National Policies for the Implementation of Lifelong Learning

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identify main drivers behind and underpinning successful engagement in LLL at state and sector level

attempt to synthesise EU/ international experience in engagement with lifelong learning (LLL) at a high level. Where possible, the review will identify trends in international policy developments within the EU

Focus of review on 8 countries in WP6: Belgium, Lithuania, France, Ireland, Scotland, Turkey, The Netherlands and Finland

Timeframe 6 months: Jan 2010 – June 2010

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Existing data sources in form of a high/meta level review rather than rely on primary research

Key Phases:1. Collection of EU level info/material on LLL 2. Collection of background info/material on LLL in

WP6 countries 3. Meta level review of LLL in WP6 countries 4. Validation of data analysis 5. Internal report on findings of the review

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Internal Report to present findings of review, in following chapterlayout: 1. Aims of review and research approach 2. Examination and definition of main concepts relevant to LLL 3. Background: setting the context4. Main statistics relating to LLL from EU context and 8 countries5. Overview of development and implementation of LLL at EU

level 6. Development and implementation of LLL institutional

strategies in relation to overall at national level polices and at EU level in each of 8 specific countries

7. Key elements necessary for successful implementation of LLL 8. Gaps/weakness in LLL9. Typology of LLL across WP6 countries10.Construction of Comparative Matrix across WP6 countries 11.Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations

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Draft chapters on: Aims of review and research approach Examination and definition of main concepts relevant to

LLL Background: setting the context Main statistics relating to LLL from EU context and 8

countries

Currently, working on overview of developmentand implementation of LLL at EU level following extensive review of material

Currently collecting country specific material on LLL from WP6 countries, deadline for receipt of info 5th March 2010. Will then begin review and analysis of each country.

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Definitions of LLL vary according to context ‘learning to learn’ – development of individual

capabilities, shift from traditional education institutions, process and outcome oriented, individual responsibility.

EU Definition: ‘All learning activity undertaken throughout life, with the aim of improving knowledge, skills and competencies within a personal, civic, social and/or employment-related perspective’ (European Commission, 2001)

4 main features of LLL according to OECD (2004): 1. A systemic view2. Centrality of learner 3. Motivation to learn 4. Multiple objectives of education policy

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Why development and implementation of LLL NB? key to growth, jobs and full participation in society, ageing societies, skills deficits, globalisation

LLL – benefits for individual, enterprise, economy and society

LLLL now key aspect of social policy, linking education, social security and employment (Riddell et al, 2007)

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A. Population Trends – Europe’s ageing society- 3 factors: high life expectancy, low fertility rates and baby boom cohorts reaching higher ages (Eurostat, 2009)

B. Labour Market Trends:Labour Force Survey (LFS): employment rate in 2007 of 65.4% among 15-64years in EU27 , unemployment rate = 7.1%

C. Patterns of participation in LLL:1. Labour Force Survey - In 2008, 9.5% 25-64 yr olds

participated in education and training *4 weeks prior to survey. High skilled 5 times more likely to participate than lower skilled. UK and Finland among best performers, little progress in Turkey (1.8%)

2. Adult Education Survey (AES) – In 2007, over 1/3 (aged 25-64) participated in education and training *12 mths prior to survey. 64.3% did not participate.

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AES 2007: • Reasons given for participation: to do a better job;

improve career prospects; increase knowledge/skills for everyday life; obliged to attend; meet new people or just for fun

• Reasons for non-participation – work schedule; family responsibilities; cost; lack of confidence; lack of employer support

OECD and Eurydice also provide NB info relevant to LLL

D. Investment in Education – UOE data average level of public investment in education as % of GDP across EU27 in 2006 = 5.05%. Belgium, France, UK and Netherlands all above average.

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Lifelong learning in 1990’s: Growing interest at EU level:

• 1994 White Paper on Growth, Competitiveness and Employment

• 1995 White Paper on Teaching and Learning: Towards the Learning Society

• 1996 European Year on Lifelong Learning • 1997 EU policy paper: Towards a Europe of

Knowledge • NB shift in later 1990’s: focus of employability

(Brine, 2006)

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By turn of century, LLL organising theme at EU level, key documents:

1. The Lisbon Strategy(2000) LLL a core priority: ‘The Union must become the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world, capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion’ (EU Council, 2000) - Importance of Open Method of Coordination (OMC); agreed timetables and goals, indicators and benchmarks, monitoring and peer review

2. Memorandum on Lifelong Learning (2000) working definition of LLL, focus on employment and labour market dimensions over social participation and realisation of personal aims and potentials

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3. Making a European Area of Lifelong Learning a Reality (2001) – definition broadened: ‘all learning activities undertaken throughout life, with the aim of improving knowledge, skills and competences within a personal, civic, social and/or employment-related perspective’ (CEC, 2001:9)

4. Resolution on Lifelong Learning (2002) LLL covers learning from per-school age to post retirement, and formal, non-formal and informal learning

5. Education and Training Work Programme 2010: In 2002, 10 year work programme adopted, guiding principle of LLL. In 2003, 5 reference levels for European average performance set: average participation of working adults (age 25-64) in LLL should reach at least 12.5% by 2010

6. Key Competences for Lifelong Learning (2006)

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7. The 2010 Joint Report: fourth and final document outlined progress in ET 2010. Despite general improvement:- majority of benchmarks not reached (9.5% in LLL)- Difficulties of Key Competences framework- Implementation of LLL through formal, non-formal and informal learning remains a challenge - Importance of ‘partnership’ approach

8. New Strategic Framework for European Cooperation in Education and Training 2020 (2009). Benchmarks now set for 2020, including: at least 15% of adults should participate in LLL - Each Member State starting from different levels – participation, quality, financing and development. Therefore, benchmarks are not targets.

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EU Employment Strategy and LLL – New Skills for New Jobs (2008) proposed alongside ET 2020 to promote LLL. ‘Education and training’ and ‘work’ no longer two separate worlds

LLL also form NB part of The Bologna Process and Copenhagen Process

Examples of EU LLL instruments: European Qualifications Framework (EQF); European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS); EUROPASS; European Credit System for Vocational Education and Training (ECVET); European Quality Assurance Reference Framework for Vocational Education (EQARF)

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We require info and material on LLL specific toyour own country as part of WP1(Deadline 5th

March 2010!). Data required from the 8 specificcountries includes: National policy documents Key legislation Statistics Support measures Initiatives Guidelines on LLL Funding measures

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In small group setting over the next 30-40minutes, please discuss your understandingof the following questions:

• Definition of lifelong learning and who are lifelong learners

• Key elements for success in lifelong learning

• Barriers to lifelong learning • Overall experience of lifelong learning in

your own country

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Also, could we please ask that you discuss the

country specific material gathered so far inadvance of review:

What additional documents do we require?

What are the most important documents in this list?

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References

Brine, J. (2006) Lifelong learning and the knowledge economy: Those that know and those that do not: The discourse of the European Union, British Educational Research Journal, 32 (5): 649-665. Commission of the European Communities (CEC) (1993) Growth, competitiveness, and employment. The challenges and ways forward into the 21st century, COM (93) 700 final. Brussels: Commission of the European Communities. Commission of the European Communities (CEC) (1995) Teaching and learning: Towards the learning society. Brussels: Commission of the European Communities. Commission of the European Communities (CEC) (1997) Commission Communication on 12 November 1997, Towards a Europe of Knowledge COM (97) 56/3 Final. Brussels: Commission of the European Communities. Commission of the European Communities (CEC) (2000) A Memorandum on lifelong learning: Commission Staff Working Paper. SES (2000) 1832, 30.10.00. Brussels: Commission of the European Communities. Commission of the European Communities (CEC) (2001)Communication from the Commission: Making a European area of lifelong learning a reality. CM (2001) 678, Final of 21.11.01. Brussels: Commission of the European Communities. Commission of the European Communities (CEC) (2009) Commission Communication, key competences for a changing world: Draft 2010 joint progress report of the Council and the Commission on the implementation of the ‘Education and Training 2010’ work programme. Brussels: Commission of the European Communities. Council of the European Union (2000) The Lisbon European Council: Presidency Conclusions. Brussels: Council of the European Union. Council of the European Union (2002) Council Resolution of 27 June 2002 on lifelong learning, Official Journal of European Communities, C163 (09/07./2002), 1-3. Brussels: Council of the European Union. Council of the European Union (2008) New Skills for New Jobs: Anticipating and matching labour market needs. COM (2008) 868 Final. Brussels: Council of the European Union. Council of the European Union (2009) Council Conclusions of 12 May 2009 on a strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training (‘ET 2020’) (2009/C119/02). Brussels: Council of the European Union. Eurostat (2009) (Boateng, S.K.) Eurostat Statistics in focus: 44/2009. Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities. Eurostat (2009) Europe in Figures – Eurostat Yearbook 2009. Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) (2004) Lifelong learning, Policy Brief. Paris: OECD. Riddell, S., E. Weedon, J. Litjens, J. Crowther and J. Holford (2007) Developing a typology of approaches to lifelong learning in Europe, Lifelong Learning Project 2010 Working Paper No. 15. Tallinn: Institute for International and Social Studies, Tallinn University.