Transformation of higher education institutions from rhetoric commitment to a place of lifelong learning organizations: a meta synthesis study
Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education
ISSN: 2050-7003
Article publication date: 11 January 2024
Abstract
Purpose
The current synthesis study was conducted to locate comprehensive perspectives about the transformation of higher education institutions from being the only places where formal education programs are offered into settings where lifelong learning can be integrated. This demands an inquiry through not only instance investigation but also a more comprehensive evidence upsurge which has great importance in obtaining lessons and drawing conclusions from existing facts to show how higher education institutions can be places where lifelong learning is promoted for the good of both individuals and societal advancement.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a meta-synthesis methodology, a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge in the area of higher education institutions' role in promoting lifelong learning was synthesized.
Findings
The study identified wide-ranging lifelong learning conceptualizations, potential beneficiaries, learning contents and ways of delivery that can be applied in higher education institutions. Furthermore, the practical challenges, partnership and coordination concerns and policy and reform issues towards promoting lifelong learning were addressed.
Originality/value
This meta-synthesis provides crucial evidence for higher education policymakers and practitioners seeking to guide the transformation of their institutions into settings where lifelong learning is integrated with other forms of educational programs, thereby optimizing individual's professional development and societal progress.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This study is supported via funding from Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University project number (PSAU/2023//R/1444).
Erratum: It has come to the attention of the publisher that the article, Assefa, Y., Gebremeskel, M.M., Moges, B.T. and Tilwani, S.A. (2024), “Transformation of higher education institutions from rhetoric commitment to a place of lifelong learning organizations: a meta synthesis study”, Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/JARHE-07-2023-0293, was published with an error. This error was introduced in the production process. This has now been corrected in the online version of the paper. The publisher sincerely apologises for this and for any inconvenience caused.
Citation
Assefa, Y., Gebremeskel, M.M., Moges, B.T. and Tilwani, S.A. (2024), "Transformation of higher education institutions from rhetoric commitment to a place of lifelong learning organizations: a meta synthesis study", Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/JARHE-07-2023-0293
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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