Teaching as a life-long learning process

Abstract In general, lifelong learning means a continuous, abstract lifelong phenomenon of learning; it cannot be thwarted by age or the passage of time. It is holistic learning, including intellectual, social, physical and emotional development. It is manifest through both formal and informal education and continues from birth through the end of life. This paper discusses about the teacher as a life-long learner. This paper highlights the characteristics of lifelong learning and challenges faced by the teacher-learning

Introduction Teachers are at the heart of the educational process. Lifelong learning is an invisible process; it cannot be tangibly measured in its totality either. Today we lead our lives in a world where information and knowledge are a momentous force in shaping society, and require more sophistical skills. Teachers need to learn new skills and become lifelong learners themselves to keep up to date with new knowledge, pedagogical ideas and technology. Characteristics of Lifelong Learning Lifelong learning is an integral and essential part of efforts to raise standards of teaching learning and achievement. It is necessary for all teachers in order to keep pace with change and to review and renew their own knowledge, skills and visions for good teaching. lifelong learning framework encompasses learning throughout the life cycle, from early childhood to retirement, and in different learning environments, formal, non-formal, informal and self-motivated learning.

Formal learning school

!ormal learning includes the hierarchically structured

system that runs from primary school through the university and organi"ed school-like programs created in business for technical and professional training.

 Informal learning Informal learning describes a lifelong process whereby individuals acquire attitudes, values, skills and knowledge from daily e#perience and the educational influences and resources in his or her environment, from family and neighbours, from work and play, from the market place, the library and the mass media.

Self-motivated learning

$elf-motivated learning is a heavy emphasis on the need for individuals to take responsibility for their own learning. Lifelong learners are, therefore, not defined by the type of education or training in which they are involved, but by the personal characteristics that lead to such involvement.The necessary skills and attitudes for learning, especially literacy and numeracy skills; the confidence to learn, including a sense of engagement with the education and training system; and willingness and motivation to learn. Teacher as a life-long learner Teachers should be e#cellent learners.They should e#pect and be e#pected to learn in personali"ed conte#ts. They should develop their skills in a collegial community. %e raise lifelong learners, by being lifelong learners ourselves. In the process we become masters at the craft of teaching. %e read,we learn, not at the surface level, but in great depth about the sub&ects we teach, we have cultural e#perience and then, the enthusiasm we have about the love of learning will e#ude from our very being to our students.

'eing successful in the knowledge economy requires mastering a new set of knowledge and competencies. These includes basic academic skills, such as literacy, foreign language,math and science skills and the ability to use information and communication technology. Teachers must be able to use these skills effectively, act autonomously and reflectively and &oin and function in socially heterogeneous groups. Challenges for Lifelong Learning Lifelong Learning is becoming a necessity in our life. The nature of teaching demands that teachers engage in continuing career-long professional development, but particular needs and the ways in which they may be met will vary according to circumstance,personal and professional histories and current dispositions. (rowth involves learning which is sometimes natural and evolutionary, sometimes opportunistic and sometimes the result of plannng. Teacher can learn naturally over the course of a career. )owever, learning from e#perience alone will ultimately limit development. *rofessional development is to maintaining and enhancing the quality of teachers. Teachers are understood to have life-long professional needs and those will be met only if treated as in the case of learner of continuity and progression.

Conclusion Teachers are the greatest asset. They stand at the interface of the transmission of knowledge, skills and values. Teacher will only be able to fulfill their educational purposes if they are both well prepared for the profession and able to maintain and improve their contributions to it through career-long learning. Reference

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