Universities Need To Open Up To Lifelong Learning

Photo: Romina Müller

This commentary below is based on a talk given at the Center for Studies in Higher Education at the University of California, Berkeley, and the paper “Keeping up with the Demand for Highly Skilled Workers – A comparison of US and German models of university continuing education” by Romina Müller, PhD student of higher education at Leuphana University of Lüneburg in Germany. 

The role of higher education may need to change

The demand for education and professional education is rising in today’s knowledge-based societies, and the need to adapt and respond to changing skills needed for economic success requires an education system that goes beyond traditional educational paths from kindergarten up to graduation.
But not all countries give such a priority to permeability within the educational system, second chances or adult education as Northern European countries do. Here, lifelong learning is much more institutionalised and is supported by national legislation and initiatives to provide education for all at all times.

Universities must increasingly meet the needs of students who already have some post-secondary education, but not necessarily at the university level.

Flexible study formats, such as blended learning, distance learning or MOOCs, special support structures, alternative admission criteria, recognition of professional competencies or collaborations with companies and adult or vocational education providers could offer a solution.
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Source: University World News