In this paper I intend to explore the role of the teacher in the lifelong learning sector by looking at various publications by learned authors in this field. I will apply the results of to my own experiences of teaching and investigate if I have been performing to best practice and what I can do to improve.
There are some who believe that lifelong learning has a positive effect on health. Peter Scales (2008) mentions that there is evidence that the actual act of learning can help in warding off the onset of conditions such as Alzheimer’s.
Alternatively, lifelong learning is becoming much more important as the roles and responsibilities of people tend to change much quicker with the advent of technology such as the internet and its changing nature of the workplace. Jobs for life are fast becoming a part of history and as a consequence the need to learn skills and techniques which are up to date and current is vital for the person to be able to stay in employment and the economy as a whole to be able to grow.
Lifelong learning may not be related to a person’s career or work but purely out of the enjoyment to learn and train on subjects which interest them. Language classes are a prime example of this.
In order to maximise the learners enjoyment and learning then according to Maslow there are five levels the learner need to satisfy.
Firstly the physiological aspect must be satisfied. That is, the environment needs to be warm and dry and conducive to being in a comfortable learning environment. There should be access to food, drink and conveniences.
Once the environment has been satisfied then there’s the second level which is the learners safety and security. They need to be feeling secure and have access to someone with any concerns they have.
The learner then needs the Recognition level. This is the level where the learner feels a part of the process and should
References: Scales, Peter. (2008). Teaching in the Lifelong Services. Open University Press Maslow, A Gravells, Ann (2012-01-31). Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector: The New Award (Kindle Locations 7-8). Learning Matters. Kindle Edition. APPENDIX 1 The Children’s Act (2004) Data Protection Act (2003) This act governs the protection of a persons data and how it is managed Equality Act (2010) This act originated from acts such as the Sex discrimination Act 1975, Race Relations Act 1976 and Disability Discrimination Act 1995 Human Rights Act (1998) In basic terms this act stands to ensure that a persons rights are respected and they in turn respect other people’s Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) This act ensures the health, safety and welfare of people at their work and also the people who use those places of work (eg colleges)