Project to develop a model lifelong learning university

A consortium of higher education institutions from Malta, Belgium, Estonia, Finland, France, The Netherlands, Portugal and the UK, led by the European University Continuing Education Network, are collaborating in an Erasmus project entitled ‘A Lifelong Learning University Model for Europe’.

The project is based on best practices at work in universities which have already developed successful lifelong learning (LLL) strategies. Malta’s representative in the project is Carmel Borg, former dean of the University’s Faculty of Education.

Borg is also involved in a related project that is focusing on adapting training materials related to the implementation of lifelong learning policies in higher education institutions.

The main aim of the project is to produce a set of guidelines to assist European universities to become LLL institutions. The guidelines will be presented at the final dissemination conference in Barcelona, on September 12 and 13.

The guidelines are based on 10 case studies focusing on progress in the implementation of LLL strategies in line with the 10 commitments of the charter; a transversal analysis of the case studies; and the testing of the guidelines within institutions which do not have a history of conscious implementation of LLL strategies.

With their accumulated knowledge and experiences, universities constitute a very powerful resource across many fields. The vision of a lifelong learning university perpetuates universities’ central role as powerhouses of knowledge while emphasising democratic access as well as community-oriented policies, strategies and pedagogies.

Lifelong learning universities are characterised by a new relationship with students. Such universities are flexible with regard to access, recognising non-traditional qualifications as significant indicators of potential. Lifelong learning universities are flexible with regard to accreditation of prior learning, recognising that in many areas, skills and knowledge gained through work, and other activities are as valuable as traditional university qualifications.

Lifelong learning universities are also flexible with regard to curriculum, acknowledging that a diverse range of student needs has to be met and that timetables should not restrict flexibility.

In 2008, the European University Association published a charter that addresses the implementation of lifelong learning strategies in higher education institutions (HEIs). The project is aimed at contributing to the implementation of the charter’s vision.