Improving Learning Through the Life-Course
Learning Lives

Lifelong learning has become a mantra, but what does learning mean and do in the lives of adults? How has it changed over time and across generations? This book states that learning 'means and does' much more in people's lives than is acknowledged in policies in Britain and Europe.

By contrast, the findings show not only that learning is multi-faceted and complex; they also show how learning helps people to strengthen and develop their sense of self, and assume a greater degree of control over their lives. They also show that people value the experience of learning in relation to their everyday lives and in order to adjust to changing circumstances. And they demonstrate that people's 'learning horizons' - that is, their ability to imagine themselves learning for a different future - are bounded both by individual characteristics and by situational and structural factors. Strategies for improving learning therefore need to vary to meet different needs and circumstances.

1. Learning, Identity and Agency in the Lifecourse
2. Informal Learning
3. Formal Education and Training
4 Narrative Learning
5. The Role of Generations
6. Positions and Dispositions
7. Improving Learning through the Lifecourse