Collaborative Local Learning Ecologies: Reflections on the
Governance of Lifelong Learning in England
Inquiry into the Futur of Lifelong Learning, NIACE, 2009
Conceptualising learning ecologies
“This is an attempt to see lifelong learning in a holistic way and as part of an inter-connected set of local and wider factors. These include:
- learner motivation and interests in lifelong learning;
- the condition of particular communities;
- traditions and patterns of lifelong learning provision;
- opportunities for formal and informal learning,
- institutional patterns and relationships;
- configurations of local demography and geography;
- travel-to-learn patterns;
- local and regional labour markets;
- patterns of skills levels
- and employer demand.
It is the relationship between these different factors at the ‘exo-system’ level, which provides a local learning ecology with its unique identity. An understanding of the specific combination of community, local and regional factors can shape our thinking about lifelong learning wants, needs and strategies relevant to different populations“