Youth watch December 2017 | Youth Hong Kong
Nonstop learning
driving forces around the world
T
hink tank surveys and official statistics offer useful insights into the reasons why people continue to learn when formal education and training ends.
In the US
a recent survey1 by the Pew Research Center shows that 73% of adults consider themselves lifelong learners, 74% learn about something that interests them personally, and generally they tend to be younger, better educated and better off financially than those who don’t. They learn by reading, taking courses or attending events. Their motivation is mixed. 61% say they love to gather the maximum amount of information on unfamiliar subjects. 58% say it is very important that people learn new things about their hobbies or interests.
Personal reasons for learning
80%
To make life fuller and more interesting
64%
To help others more effectively
60%
Because spare time allows pursuit of interests
36%
To turn a hobby into something that generates income
33%
To keep up with schoolwork being done by children in their lives
Benefits of lifelong learning
22
87%
Felt more rounded and capable
69%
Opened up new perspectives
64%
Made new friends
58%
Felt more connected to their local community
43%
Were motivated to get involved in career opportunities
What are the obstacles
Limited access to learning aided by technology
Lack of familiarity with online learning
Learning gap: 87% believe learning things is very important but only 73% see themselves as adult learners
Modes of learning
58%
Reading magazines or other publications
35% 30%
Attending meetings, support groups or clubs where new information is available
25% 16%
Taking a course or class
Going to an exhibition, convention/conference
Doing an online course
Note Responses from 2,752 adults living in the US.
2