The Role of University in the »Learning Society«

Abstract

In the last decade the idea of a learning society which is based on the strategy of learning throughout one's life has become the topic of various discussions. Knowledge is no longer a commodity accumulated in university centres but is becoming increasingly dispersed. There are several quite different sources and means available to the individual which have started to influence the power relationship between the university and other institutians which are more flexible and adapt easier to the needs of the individual. The university should respect and follow the principle of life-long learning and increase the access to university studies to the adults; it should become more open to the outside world and connect with the extemal social subjects (organisations, societies, individuals, etc.); traditional learning styles should be replaced or supplemented by more active methods of learning and teaching; it should implement in the teaching process the innovations resulting from the technological, economic and social development; it should gradually transform its function and structure in the direction of a learning organisation.