Empowering Communities through Lifelong Learning: A Case Study of University Initiatives for Social Engagement and Personal Development

Watcharaporn Jantanukul

doi:10.60027/jelr.2024.775

Authors

Watcharaporn Jantanukul Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University, Thailand https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8048-9798

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.60027/jelr.2024.775

Keywords:

Empowering, , Communities, , Lifelong Learning, , Social Engagement and Personal Development

Abstract

Background and Aims: Empowering communities through lifelong learning is critical for personal development and addressing social challenges because it provides individuals with the skills and confidence they need to thrive and make meaningful contributions to their communities. Such empowerment not only improves individual well-being but also increases societal resilience and cohesion. This paper aims to explore university initiatives promoting social engagement and personal development.

Methodology: The paper uses a systematic literature review to collect and analyze data on lifelong learning initiatives, drawing on a variety of secondary sources to provide a thorough understanding of their impact. The thematic analysis identifies key patterns and gaps, providing insights into how university programs promote community empowerment and personal development. This methodological approach ensures a thorough assessment of the effectiveness of these educational initiatives.

Results: The finding found that Lifelong learning programs have a significant impact on personal development by improving skills, confidence, and career prospects, while also fostering social cohesion and addressing important community issues. These initiatives help individuals navigate changing job markets and make meaningful contributions to their communities, demonstrating their importance in personal and societal development.

Conclusion: The findings show that lifelong learning programs are critical for personal development, improving skills and career opportunities, strengthening social bonds, and addressing community challenges. These initiatives are critical to both individual success and societal progress.

References

Aspin, D. N., & Chapman, J. D. (2007). Lifelong learning: Concepts and conceptions. International Journal of Lifelong Education, 26(1), 3-19. https://doi.org/10.1080/02601370601151487 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/026013700293421

Bourdieu, P. (1986). The forms of capital. In J. G. Richardson (Ed.), Handbook of theory and research for the sociology of education (pp. 241-258). Greenwood.

Bowl, M. (2012). Learning from the margins: Accessing higher education for non-traditional adult learners. Emerald Group Publishing.

Boyer, E. L. (1996). The scholarship of engagement. Journal of Public Service & Outreach, 1(1), 11-20. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/3824459

Brennan, J., King, R., & Lebeau, Y. (2010). The role of universities in the transformation of societies: An international research project. Association of Commonwealth Universities.

Bringle, R. G., & Hatcher, J. A. (2002). Campus–community partnerships: The terms of engagement. Journal of Social Issues, 58(3), 503-516. https://doi.org/10.1111/1540-4560.00273 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1540-4560.00273

Butin, D. W. (2010). Service-learning in theory and practice: The future of community engagement in higher education. Palgrave Macmillan. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230106154_7

Coffield, F. (2000). The necessity of informal learning. Policy Press.

Cooke, G., & Pettigrew, M. (2018). The role of community participation in lifelong learning. Springer.

Dabbagh, N., & Kitsantas, A. (2012). Personal learning environments, social media, and self-regulated learning: A natural formula for connecting formal and informal learning. The Internet and Higher Education, 15(1), 3-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2011.06.002 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2011.06.002

Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. Springer. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-2271-7

Dewey, J. (1938). Experience and education. Kappa Delta Pi.

Edinburgh Community Food. (2021). Community partnerships and initiatives. Retrieved from Edinburgh Community Food website

Field, J. (2006). Lifelong learning and the new educational order. Trentham Books.

Fitzpatrick, J., Christie, C. A., & Mark, M. M. (2021). Evaluation in action: Interviews with expert evaluators. SAGE Publications.

Freire, P. (1970). Pedagogy of the oppressed. Continuum.

Giles, D. E., & Eyler, J. (1994). The theoretical roots of service-learning in John Dewey: Toward a theory of service-learning. Michigan Journal of Community Service Learning, 1(1), 77-85.

Gonzalez, M. (2020). Future directions for lifelong learning: Innovations and opportunities. Routledge.

Guo, C., & Saxton, G. D. (2018). The role of social impact bonds in educational reform. Journal of Education Finance, 44(4), 485-504.

Holland, B. A. (2005). Challenges and opportunities in university-community partnerships. In H. E. C. Bender & J. P. Miller (Eds.), Community engagement and service learning (pp. 92-112). Routledge.

Jacoby, B. (2014). Service-learning essentials: Questions, answers, and lessons learned. John Wiley & Sons.

Jarvis, P. (2009). Learning to be a person in society: Learning to be me. In The Routledge international handbook of lifelong learning (pp. 15-25). Routledge. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203870549

Kelly, T. (2012). A history of adult education in Great Britain. Liverpool University Press.

Knapper, C. K., & Cropley, A. J. (2000). Lifelong learning in higher education (3rd ed.). Kogan Page.

Laurillard, D. (2012). Teaching as a design science: Building pedagogical patterns for learning and technology. Routledge.

Open University. (2021). Lifelong learning impact report. Open University.

Perry, R. (2019). Funding lifelong learning programs: Strategies and challenges. Adult Education Quarterly, 69(3), 234-250.

Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling alone: The collapse and revival of American community. Simon & Schuster. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/358916.361990

Ridder-Symoens, H. D. (Ed.). (1992). A history of the university in Europe: Vol. 1, Universities in the Middle Ages. Cambridge University Press.

Rothblatt, S. (2007). The modern university and its discontents: The fate of Newman's legacies in Britain and America. Cambridge Review of International Affairs, 20(3), 399-416. https://doi.org/10.1080/09557570701574104

Santos, P., Pedro, N., & Mattar, J. (2020). Universities fostering lifelong learning and inclusion: Insights from European projects. Frontiers in Education, 5, 139. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2020.00139 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2020.00139

Schuetze, H. G., & Casey, C. (Eds.). (2006). Lifelong learning in the global knowledge economy: Challenges for developing countries. Routledge.

Schuller, T., & Watson, D. (2009). Learning through life: Inquiry into the future for lifelong learning. National Institute of Adult Continuing Education.

Taylor, P., & Houghton, S. (2018). Assessing the impact of community education programs. Evaluation & Program Planning, 66, 139-147.

UC Berkeley Public Service Center. (2020). Public service center partnerships and programs. Retrieved from https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/about/history/2020

UNESCO. (1972). Learning to be: The world of education today and tomorrow (The Faure Report). United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

UNESCO. (2015). Transforming our world: The 2030 agenda for sustainable development. United Nations.

Watson, D. (2007). Managing civic and community engagement. Open University Press.

Wright, R. (2020). Overcoming barriers to digital literacy. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 23(2), 45-59.