Learning Beyond School: Lifelong Learning And Its Benefits
Learning begins at home and continues in schools and colleges. But lifelong learning goes beyond the walls of educational institutions. There are several ways to continue lifelong learning, from taking an online course to learning in workshops or other informal settings.
In this article, we will understand what lifelong learning is and what are its benefits, which will help us realize why schools in Riyadh focus on it.
What is Lifelong Learning?
Lifelong learning is education that occurs beyond the walls of schools and colleges and continues throughout one’s life. It involves acquiring new skills, knowledge, and attitudes through formal and informal learning experiences, like training programs, self-study, workshops, internships, and online courses.
This form of learning is significant in today’s world, where new technologies and innovations are constantly evolving, and the job market is increasingly becoming competitive. By continuously updating their skills and knowledge, individuals can stay relevant and competitive in the workforce, adapt to changing circumstances, and enhance their personal and professional development.
What are the Benefits of Lifelong Learning?
Here are a few benefits of lifelong learning and why it is encouraged in most schools in Riyadh:
1. Personal And Professional Growth
Lifelong learning helps individuals develop new skills and knowledge, leading to their personal and professional growth. It enables individuals to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in their field and to keep pace with the changing demands of the workplace.
2. Adaptability
Lifelong learning helps children adapt to changes in the world around them. It enables them to develop new skills and knowledge that are relevant to the changing needs of society and the workplace.
The quality of adaptability also helps them become patient and accept changes that they will face in their lifetimes- at home, at work, and in their social circles.
3. Increased Employability In The Future
Continuous learning can lead to acquiring new skills and knowledge, increasing an individual’s employability and career prospects. It also helps them to stay relevant in the job market, even as technology and job requirements change.
4. Improved Earning Potential
Lifelong learning can lead to improved earning potential. It provides individuals with new skills and knowledge that are in popular demand in the job market. It can also lead to career advancement opportunities.
The ability to learn from everything around them also allows children to adapt to various work environments as they start earning.
5. Intellectual Stimulation
Learning can provide intellectual stimulation and a sense of accomplishment, which can improve an individual’s mental and emotional well-being.
6. Personal Enrichment
Learning can provide personal enrichment and fulfillment. It provides students with a sense of purpose and achievement. This can help them to pursue their passions and interests more effectively. Children who are able to follow their passion are usually confident and have higher self-esteem.
7. Social Engagement
Lifelong learning can provide opportunities for social engagement, enabling children to meet and connect with others who have the same interests as them. It can also help individuals to develop new social networks and friendships.
8. Better Health Outcomes
Learning can improve an individual’s overall health and well-being by reducing the risk of cognitive decline and enhancing self-care capacity.
What Are Some Examples Of Lifelong Learning?
Some common examples of lifelong learning are:
- Learning a new skill: Encouraging children to take up activities like stitching, crocheting, coding, public speaking, etc. These activities can help them learn qualities like patience, fine hand skills, and creativity.
- Picking up a new hobby: Encouraging children to pursue their hobbies, such as playing a musical instrument, painting, or building with blocks, can promote their creativity, problem-solving skills, and self-expression.
- Outdoor activities: Engaging in outdoor activities like hiking, playing a sport, gardening, camping, or trekking may help children develop physical and social skills. It also allows them to appreciate nature and empathize with other living beings.
- Science experiments: Engaging in science experiments and hands-on learning activities can foster children’s curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Learning a new language: Introducing children to different languages through language classes or immersion programs can develop their cognitive and communication skills and broaden their cultural awareness.
- Coding and robotics: Introducing children to coding and robotics can develop their analytical skills, logical reasoning, and creativity.
- Community service: Encouraging children to participate in community service activities, such as volunteering at a local food bank or cleaning up a park, can stimulate their sense of social responsibility and empathy.
Key Takeaway
Lifelong learning for children can take various forms, from reading and hobbies to outdoor activities, science experiments, language learning, coding, and community service.
The key here is encouraging children to explore their interests and passions and engage in continuous learning activities that promote intellectual, social, and emotional development. Many schools in Riyadh with IB PYP Curriculum assure parents that their curriculum is designed to allow children to experience lifelong learning outside the school limits.