The principles of lifelong learning form five distinct phases. Each phase has its own added value in the overall study process. Take a closer look at the different principles of lifelong learning.
1. Assume responsibility for your own learning
Awareness of learning gaps is only relevant if you assume responsibility for your own learning and are able to work on them systematically in a more or less ‘professional’ style. You need to understand your motivation, have an active attitude, be aware of automatisms, know and handle the challenges of multi-tasking and an environment with an abundance of information, and write your own learning reports.
2. Be active and intrapreneurial
The university creates all sorts of opportunities, provided you make an active effort. See it not only as a project for which you need a number of managerial (professional) skills, but also as one that requires a stimulating portfolio of intra-curricular activities to keep you motivated. Because you operate inside an organisation, the choice you make is an ‘intrapreneurial’ skill.
3. Dare to put yourself in the discomfort zone
The only way to go through the learning cycle is by making yourself acutely aware of your incompetencies. The angle of your learning paths is strongly influenced by your ability and willingness to actively bring yourself into this ‘discomfort zone’. Take risks and learn from mistakes made and the feedback received.
4. Create your own learning environment
Creating an own learning environment does not only make you less dependent on the quality of the institution at which you work or study, but it also boosts your learning cycle – even when the project you engage in, fails. Two activities in particular are relevant: create small study groups and engage in extracurricular activities.
5. Generate as much feedback as possible
It is impossible to learn without feedback. You have to learn how to give yourself feedback, what attitude you can best adopt when receiving feedback, and how you can best generate feedback from teachers, tutors and your own peers.
Skill Sheets Study and Self-management
The Skill Sheets on Study and Self-management address real-life, practical questions and problems that you may face in your academic/business career. Each Skill Sheet provides you with advice and guidance on a specific area, and gives you tips to improve your writing skills.