An Overview of the Theory and Empirics of Lifelong Learning Categorization

Empirical research on learning sources and outcomes requires that a comprehensive definition of lifelong learning categories is produced to enable an easy operationalization of learning variables. By combining existing definitions used in theoretical debates and empirical surveys, an attempt is made to introduce a comprehensive set of criteria to describe the three learning categories (formal, non-formal, and informal). These criteria are then used to juxtapose a variety of surveys’ approaches to measuring an individual’s level of participation in lifelong learning.