What is lifelong learning, and how is it achieved? How can we teach lifelong learning?
Lifelong learning is a continuous, intentional, and self-directed process that enables individuals to acquire new knowledge, skills, and attitudes throughout their lives and adapt to scientific, technological, and social changes. Unlike traditional learning, which is limited to formal education, lifelong learning can occur anytime and anywhere through formal, non-formal, or experiential learning. It is grounded in continuity, autonomy, flexibility, practicality, and adaptability. In engineering, it is particularly vital, as engineers must continuously update their knowledge, tackle interdisciplinary problems, develop soft skills, and maintain employability in a rapidly changing world.
To foster lifelong learning in universities, it is essential to shift the role of instructorsfrom knowledge transmitters to facilitators, design curricula that emphasise metacognitive skills, and utilise technology and open educational resources. Universities should create environments that strengthen intrinsic motivation, real-world experience, continuous feedback, and a sustainable learning culture. International organisations such as ABET and CDIO also regard lifelong learning as a key criterion for accrediting engineering programs, emphasising that universities must provide evidence that their graduates possess the ability to engage in continuous, self-directed learning and adapt to change. more… (full article in Farsi)
