Lifelong learning-centred community-based leadership development in higher education.

Abstract

This article proposes a Learning Sciences framework, set within a community-based leadership lens, emphasizing the implementation of a humanistic Lifelong Learning process, towards well-being in Higher Education (HE). What makes a community focused LL environment so difficult, is the longstanding business-based model that has dominated HE institutions over the past twenty years. It has produced a politically charged marketing-style mindset within HE administration that cascades to faculty and students. This cascade has contributed to mental health issues at several levels of HE. In response, HE administration and professional developmental bodies need to reframe leadership and professional development away from this dominant model, placing humanistic-focused development at the centre. The framework focuses on individual experiential development through the tripartite of LL, Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Learning Communities (LC) through an Integration, Continuity and Engagement (ICE) process. This framework emphasises the reciprocal relationship that HE Administration must initiate and foster within the context of community development.