Universities to play an even greater role as drivers of lifelong learning in the future

At an international lifelong learning conference held in December in the Czech Republic, participants confirmed that universities must invest increasingly in lifelong learning and offer flexible continuing education opportunities for learners at every stage of life. Representatives of the University of Tartu also took part in the conference.

Tiia Ristolainen and Ene Teemäe from the University of Tartu’s Lifelong Learning Centre attended the International Lifelong Learning Conference, held from 2–4 December at Masaryk University in Brno within the framework of the Alliance4Life BRIDGE project.

International perspective on lifelong learning

The three-day conference brought together 125 people, including representatives from universities of the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Latvia, the United Kingdom and Austria, and from the Czech public and private sectors. A total of 54 presentations and discussions were held, with each conference day focusing on a different target group and theme. The key message throughout the conference was that opportunities for personal development must be available across the entire lifespan – lifelong learning is not a luxury but an economic and social necessity.

Future role of universities

“A changing world and evolving technology require us to think about future skills and professions now. Universities have a key role to play here,” said the University of Tartu representatives. At the conference, the speakers also highlighted the internationally outstanding results of the Estonian and Finnish education systems and the need to maintain and further develop existing practices. The importance of academic units in providing continuing education was emphasised, as well as the need to encourage learners’ intrinsic motivation.

Lifelong learning begins early

The first day at the conference was focused on school pupils, including gifted learners, and included a discussion on how to link their educational pathways with universities from an early age. It was emphasised that lifelong learning habits are formed young, and their conscious support is a strategic investment for universities.

The second day centred on continuing adult education and micro-credential programmes, and the third day explored learning opportunities for older people and the activities of universities of the third age.

Micro-credential programmes as a bridge between academia and the labour market

The role of micro-credential programmes as a flexible form of learning that responds to labour market needs was repeatedly referred to at the conference. It was emphasised that these programmes help connect the academic world with real life and allow learners to acquire new skills quickly and to a high standard. Also, the practices of different countries were compared. For example, a representative of Latvia noted that what distinguishes micro-credentials from traditional continuing education is the requirement of formal quality assurance. In the Czech Republic, micro-credentials are not regulated at the national level as they are in Estonia, and their main target group there is currently university students.

Senior learners and intergenerational cooperation

Czech universities have a long-standing experience in educating seniors: the University of the Third Age has been operating there for 35 years. The participants discussed whether the university of the third age should be seen primarily as a social or an educational programme, and whether intergenerational learning could also strengthen social cohesion.

“There is a growing recognition that learning is not age-related, and that universities could be places where different generations meet,” said Ene Teemäe.

Looking ahead

This is the first time Masaryk University has hosted the International Lifelong Learning Conference. Masaryk University, which also positions itself as a lifelong learning university, aims to make the conference an annual tradition. The University of Tartu sees such conferences as valuable opportunities for international cooperation, sharing experiences, and strengthening its role as the leader of lifelong learning in Estonia.

More information and official photos from the conference can be found on the conference website.