Author: Brian Findsen, Barry Golding, Sabina Jelenc Krašovec & Bernhard Schmidt-Hertha
Edition: Volume 57, Number 3, November 2017
Summary: In this paper we reflectively stand back and ask, ‘What do we know and what have we learnt about lifelong learning in later life from the international Getting of Wisdom Exchange program and process, including the research papers in this volume? In critically addressing this question we draw not only on new insights from the papers in this themed volume and the wider literature of lifelong and later life learning, but also on insights from Indigenous knowledge(s). We sense an ideal opportunity to reflect on our insights into Indigenous learning and eldership in Australia and New Zealand to go beyond what research is actually included in this volume. In part, what we do is ask what voices, pedagogies and research tends not to be included here, that is also missing in most mainstream Western research, that typically seeks universal ‘truths’ about learning through peer reviewed scientific perspectives and methods. We certainly do not regard learning shaped and re-shaped by governments through neoliberal and conservative discourses as the only or last word. We have chosen the ancient te reo Māori words, Mā te ora ka mōhio / ‘Through life there is learning’ as the title for our paper to emphasise that lifelong learning is an ancient and wise construct that regards life and learning as inseparable and mutually reinforcing.
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This article is part of AJAL, Volume 57:3. The entire volume is available in .pdf for purchase here.