David N. Aspin – författare

The aim of this book is to provide an easily accessible, practical yet scholarly source of information about the international concern for the nature, theory and practices of the ideas of values education and lifelong learning. Each chapter in this book is written in an accessible style by an international expert in the field. Authors tackle the task of identifying, analysing and addressing the key problems, topics and issues relevant to questions about the nature, purpose and scope of values education and Lifelong Learning that are internationally generalisable and, in times of rapid change, of enduring interest to the scholar and practitioner. Authors explore the ways and means by which learners may be encouraged to become educated and grow, both as individual beings and social agents, throughout the whole of their lifespan.

The book seeks to provide accounts and critical appraisal of some of the different principles, philosophies, theories, beliefs, traditions and cultures that might form the basis of, frame and furnish the setting for values education policies and programs. We look at some of the main theories behind versions of value in lifelong learning and we point to some of the key concepts and categories at work in such theories. We provide reference to and accounts of some examples of policies or proposals in various national contexts and a range of examples of good practice in policies, programs and curriculum schemes from different schools, school systems and other educating agencies, institutions and organisations around the world.

The aim of this book is provide an easily accessible, practical yet scholarly source of information about the international concern for the philosophy, theory, categories and concepts of lifelong learning. The books is concerned to examine in depth the range of philosophical perspectives in the field of lifelong learning theory, policy, practice and applied scholarship, extending the scale and scope of the substantive contribution made by philosophical and theoretical approaches to our understanding of education. The book seeks to make an informed contribution to shaping, expanding and deepening people’s understanding the direction of future developments in educational institutions of all kinds preparing for, providing and delivering lifelong learning in all kinds of formal informal and alternative education institutions, agencies and organizations, and their various approaches, policies, practices and processes in the twenty-first century.

The second edition of the International Handbook of Lifelong Learning is extensive, innovative, and international in scope, remit and vision, inviting its readers to engage in a critical re-appraisal of the theme of “lifelong learning”. It is a thorough-going, rigorous and scholarly work, with profound and wide-ranging implications for the future of educating institutions and agencies of all kinds in the conception, planning and delivery of lifelong learning initiatives. Lifelong learning requires a wholly new philosophy of learning, education and training, one that aims to facilitate a coherent set of links and pathways between work, school and education, and recognises the necessity for government to give incentives to industry and their employees so they can truly “invest” in lifelong learning. It is also a concept that is premised on the understanding of a learning society in which everyone, independent of race, creed or gender, is entitled to quality learning that is truly excellent.

This book recognises the need for profound changes in education and for goals that are critically important to education, economic advancement, and social involvement. To those concerned about the future of our society, our economy and educational provision, this book provides a richly illuminating basis for powerful debate. Drawing extensively on policy analyses, conceptual thinking and examples of informed and world-standard practice in lifelong learning endeavours in the field, both editors and authors seek to focus readers'' attention on the many issues and decisions that must be addressed if lifelong learning is to become a reality for us all.