Development of a Global Lifelong Learning Index

Abstract

Despite this societal need for lifelong learning, there have been few theoretical studies and means of implementation to meet this need. Effectiveness and efficiency in building of the lifelong learning society at the national level significantly affect improvements in quality of life and the changed hegemony of learning. However, there has not yet been any objective assessment to determine which country excels in the above activities. In addition, some efforts have been made to evaluate lifelong learning. The European Union (EU) developed the European Lifelong Learning Index (ELLI) in 2010 based on UNESCOs lifelong learning concept and announced the ranking of EU nations. However, due to data limitations, the ELLI was not extended to developing countries. Therefore, using this same general framework, this study an international index that could evaluate the state-level lifelong learning environment including both developing countries and OECD member countries. This study broadly consists of three steps. Step I features a theoretical review of global lifelong learning indices and a comparison of the indices with existing ones. Step II introduces the process of development of indices based on the previous studies. Step III compares the rankings of countries in the area of lifelong learning based on the indices. Indices developed through this study will be used to evaluate the lifelong learning level of a specific country, and to compare that with the lifelong learning levels of major countries around the world. In addition, the strengths and the weaknesses of the lifelong learning system of a specific country will be identified based on the indices, and the efforts that the country should make as a priority to improve the competitiveness of its lifelong learning system will be identified. To sum up, these indices will be able to be used as a reference when countries evaluate policies related to lifelong learning and make decisions that aim to improve the competitiveness of lifelong education.