Retired teachers: Always something new
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 129 No 1, 16 February, page no. 30
In many of the documents created in the course of one’s educational working life, one term sticks in the memory more than others. That term is “lifelong learning”.
From the teacher’s point of view, it is the process of constant learning and development that incorporates continuous professional development, which all individuals need in a time of rapid change.
But for those who have left school, it is the idea that learning can and does occur beyond the formal structure of an educational institution and occurs throughout one’s lifetime. Lifelong learning is ongoing learning undertaken in formal and informal ways, cradle-to-grave learning, and knowledge building. It is the concept of continuous personal development through personal (self-actualised) learning.
During a tour at the Queensland Art Gallery, I came across a group of preschool children sitting in front of a huge collage installation. They were observing and critiquing the wall-hanging, not on a paper worksheet but with their individual iPads. I was tempted to ask for a lesson on how this technology was enhancing their trip.
As a student, I was never taken to the gallery or on any other out of school excursions. It was left to our parents to complete this area of learning. We didn’t have calculators, CDs, DVDs, iPads and DSs, classroom computers or white boards either.
This made me think of all the changes that seniors have had to keep abreast of over the years to be able to live happily in today’s society. How many of us can use the ATM, the internet, online shopping, Xbox, digital radios, and TV without too much worry? Not to mention what happens when one of our latest electrical gadgets refuses to function. At times, I’m sure you have called for the aid of a younger person.
What lifelong learning will the students of today need to pursue to keep up with technology and survive in society?
While our continued learning is important to us, so are our social interactions. Combining both of these is the philosophy of the Queensland Retired Teachers’ Association. The first activity for those near Brisbane will be the Morning Tea to welcome newly retired teachers and to catch up with other members. This has been organised by the Events Committee for Tuesday 19 March. This should be an interesting day, as our guest speaker will be Dr. James Lergessner, who has published books in the following categories: nonfiction/ fiction, biographies, Queensland history, and Indigenous history. The Newsletter will give you all the details.
Looking forward to seeing you at our first activity for 2024.