In a bid to foster continuous learning and knowledge exchange, the EUGLOH Alliance recently hosted a workshop on “Exchanging Experiences and Best Practices in Lifelong Learning”.
The event, which took place in Lund, Sweden, on the 9th and 10th of April, aimed at sharing institutional strategies, experiences and best practices for lifelong learning as the first step to creating an Action Plan for a EUGLOH Lifelong Learning programme, which will support the re-skilling and upskilling of professionals.
Led by the University of Porto and Lund University, the workshop attracted 20 participants from our 9 partner universities. With a diverse range of backgrounds and expertise, attendees gathered to delve into their experiences and best practices when it comes to lifelong learning.
The workshop focused on three key prompts – Sharing, Inspiring and Planning – and featured discussions and interactive sessions that fostered collaboration. Participants explored institutional strategies and lifelong learning initiatives across partner institutions, regions and countries through presentations and hands-on activities, effectively laying the foundation for the Action Plan and the implementation of a EUGLOH lifelong learning programme.
One of the highlights of the workshop was the presentation of “hot topics” related to the institutional strategies on lifelong learning at each of the partners’ institutions. This allowed EUGLOH partners to identify common challenges and structural differences, namely different levels of regulatory academic standards, staff engagement and recognition. Through collaborative methodologies, participants were able to highlight aspects that should be prioritised to create a lifelong learning strategy in EUGLOH and pinpoint what should be mapped, compared and potentially replicated.
The lifelong learning workshop underscored the importance of ongoing professional development and knowledge exchange in the ever-evolving landscape of higher education. As European universities continue to embrace the principles of lifelong learning, initiatives like this serve as catalysts for innovation and excellence in education, aligned with the objectives of the EU and the European Universities initiative.
Looking ahead, participants are eager to apply the insights gained from the workshop to their respective institutions, driving positive change and fostering a culture of interdisciplinary lifelong learning across Europe. With continued collaborative efforts among the partner universities, the journey towards educational excellence and continuous improvement remains steadfast.