Lifelong Learning & Continuing Professional Education of School Teachers

In the era of globalization, knowledge is at the core of all development efforts in advancing economic and social well- being of the people. The nations are now transiting to a knowledge society where the quality and relevance of education would play a crucial role in economic development. The developed and the developing countries now are looking in for quality assurance in education. To prepare the youth for lifelong learning, the schools need to prepare its teachers to focus on higher and lifelong education. The teacher has to be equipped with all the knowledge required for effective teaching. Only through professional development and lifelong learning teacher can fulfill their roles and responsibilities within the education system. The learning will help to deepen and broaden content knowledge and enable teachers to anticipate and prepare for change in the teaching-learning process.

Educational challenges place new complex demands on education. Therefore there is a need to change the ways in which we work and learn together. Supporting adult learning is positively linked to improved student achievement (DuFour, 2007; Guskey, 1999 ;).

This paper focusses on the new prospective and practices that can support adult development within the schools and offers a map which can be used to support adult learning in the school teacher community. It talks about teaming, engaging in collegial enquiry and how the higher education institutes can help in the continuous and lifelong learning of the school teachers.