Abstract:

Life long learning for applied fields (LLAF) is an innovative program of international collaboration between institutions of higher education from eight countries. This three years program was funded by the European Union (Tempus). In an era of constant changes, it is crucial that institutions of higher education remain relevant and adapt to the changing needs of society. The main goal of this program is to develop, pilot and implement curriculum reform in applied fields such as Education, Health Care, Speech Therapy and Audiology, Optometry, Photographic Communication and Computer Sciences. The members of this international consortium collaborate in order to create a curriculum based on innovative pedagogies that engage learners in all fields. Such a curriculum includes new courses based on constructivist pedagogy, as well as existing courses which are adapted in such a way that they will focus on problem based learning. These courses encourage students to develop their ability to regulate their own learning, to acquire new skills and to practice teamwork while gaining knowledge in their respective fields. By doing so, the students are also able to transfer concepts and skills learned in class to real life context.

The theoretical model chosen was based on UNESCO's (1996) concept of life long learning as a way to give all people an opportunity to fulfill their potential by opening different kinds of opportunities for learning. The model looks as education as based on four pillars: learning to know, learning to do, learning to live together and learning to be. This presentation will expose all four pillars and will focus on "learning to do" which refers not only to the acquisition of new skills, but also to the ability of working in teams in order to deal with complex situations and problems one may face in their professional life. Problem based learning (PBL) will be presented as part of the curriculum and the presentation will show ways in which it can be applied in new as well as in existing courses. "Learning to know" refers to the ability of gaining a broad general knowledge while also focusing on a small number of subjects studied in depth. "Learning to live together" emphasizes pluralistic values which enable students to better understand and appreciate other people and "learning to be" stresses the ability to become autonomous and responsible by developing the students' personal and professional growth

Keywords:

Life long learning, problem based learning, curriculum.