One of the areas up for discussion across several tables last Saturday was in connection with education. I wrote my own view on this some time ago which can be read here. Originally the discussion was around “formal education” – that aimed at 5 to 25 years of age. However some of us put forward the idea that it should be “life-long” education and training e.g. a society that promotes the idea of cradle to the grave learning.
There’s a lot of emphasis at the moment on young people and helping them get jobs but, there are also a lot of people in their forties and fifties being made redundant who need to re-train or learn how to work out what their “transferable skills” are. In some cases you may end up with parents competing with their children for the same job. Re-training costs money and at present, you have to pay for adult education courses, money that some people just won’t have.
The principle of life long learning means you can go on any type of course, at any type of learning establishment, at any age. We discussed that any course fees should be free of charge. These “fees” are paid for via general taxation.This would enhance social inclusion, active citizenship and personal development throughout one’s life. Adopting this approach would mean changing the current emphasis of formal education away from “learning to pass exams” to get into university and re-introducing vocational studies – the old City & Guilds for young people. It would also require employers to encourage staff to continue to develop their own skills and knowledge.
This idea appeared to get a lot of traction on the day. It’s the kind of society people want to have in 2030 or sooner. If only the politician’s will pay attention.
The People’s Gathering hosted by Electoral Reform Society Scotland at the Merchant’s Hall Edinburgh on Saturday 14th July 2012. Attendees were posed the question: It’s 2030 and Scotland is admired as a shining example of democracy and democratic participation. What three aspects of this future society please you most?
This article is one of a few based on the discussions I had on that day.
Scotland 2030: Education
One of the areas up for discussion across several tables last Saturday was in connection with education. I wrote my own view on this some time ago which can be read here. Originally the discussion was around “formal education” – that aimed at 5 to 25 years of age. However some of us put forward the idea that it should be “life-long” education and training e.g. a society that promotes the idea of cradle to the grave learning.
There’s a lot of emphasis at the moment on young people and helping them get jobs but, there are also a lot of people in their forties and fifties being made redundant who need to re-train or learn how to work out what their “transferable skills” are. In some cases you may end up with parents competing with their children for the same job. Re-training costs money and at present, you have to pay for adult education courses, money that some people just won’t have.
The principle of life long learning means you can go on any type of course, at any type of learning establishment, at any age. We discussed that any course fees should be free of charge. These “fees” are paid for via general taxation.This would enhance social inclusion, active citizenship and personal development throughout one’s life. Adopting this approach would mean changing the current emphasis of formal education away from “learning to pass exams” to get into university and re-introducing vocational studies – the old City & Guilds for young people. It would also require employers to encourage staff to continue to develop their own skills and knowledge.
This idea appeared to get a lot of traction on the day. It’s the kind of society people want to have in 2030 or sooner. If only the politician’s will pay attention.
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