Pašvirzīta mācīšanās profesionālās kompetences pilnveidei

Abstract

In the process of globalisation and integration, human knowledge and skills become outdated or insufficient very quickly. One needs to constantly improve them, as well as acquire new knowledge and skills to be able to fit in with the society and be competitive in the labour market. Lifelong learning is topical both for science and in the practice. In its context, a number of objectives are pursued, which are relevant to all citizens, depending on their age, place of residence, and social status. The objectives meet the interests and abilities of each individual, as well as the needs of economic development. Lifelong learning policies are related to personal fulfilment and determination which provide sustainable competences for work and personal growth. Lifelong learning is an adult education where the students themselves play a major role. In today’s post-industrial era, the responsibility for competitiveness in the labour market is increasing. In the labour market, the main indicator for person’s assessment is professional competence. Professional competence is not just the knowledge; it is skills and responsibility in a particular work situation. This particular work situation can be experienced in practical life, i.e. applying pragmatic approach to learning, however, not all educational institutions can provide it, and not every company is interested in investing in common vocational training. As a result, professionalism is one’s own responsibility, and self-directed informal learning is one of the simplest and most inexpensive ways of how to achieve it.