Examining the Lifelong Learning Competencies of Teachers

Abstract

In today's technology-driven era, the significance of continuous learning has grown exponentially, as individuals are required to acquire and develop new information and skills. This need has given rise to the concept of lifelong learning, which emphasizes the ongoing process of learning regardless of age, time, and location. This study aims to investigate the lifelong learning competencies of teachers, who play a crucial role in the learning processes of individuals, considering various variables. Convenience sampling was used to select 329 teachers, and they were administered the 'Lifelong Learning Competency Scale' developed by Hürsen (2011). The scale comprises sub-dimensions such as 'self-management competencies', 'learning to learn competencies', 'initiative and entrepreneurial competencies', 'knowledge acquisition competencies', 'digital competencies', and 'decision-making competencies'. Data analysis was performed with the JAMOVI program using descriptive statistics, Independent Sample t-Test, ANOVA, Pearson Correlation Analysis, and regression analysis. The findings of the study indicated that teachers' lifelong learning competencies were at a high level, particularly the 'self-management competencies' sub-dimension, which demonstrated exceptional results. The remaining sub-dimensions also displayed high competency levels. Furthermore, the study concluded that teachers' lifelong learning competencies did not exhibit significant differences based on their gender, marital status, or the type of school they worked in.