First International PhD Seminar
Two notable papers stood out:
Natalia Rosenfeld
Doctoral Student
Natalia Rozenfeld (HSE University) presented a paper entitled “Continuing Education in the Life Course of Different Generations”
This study examined the participation of different generations of Russian youth in educational activities using a trajectory approach. The data from the participants in the Russian Longitudinal Monitoring (RLMS) born between 1976 and 1998 provided an insight into their educational and work positions over ten years, starting at the age of 15. The results highlighted such questions as:
- What educational paths do young Russians born at different times usually choose?
- What life stages correspond to the most active and passive periods of human capital accumulation?
- What are the links between educational transitions and the labor market?
Koh Wei Xun
Doctoral Student
Koh Wei Xun (National Institute of Education, NTU Singapore) presented his thesis on “Propensity to engage in lifelong learning: A retrospective investigation using the personal learning identity perspective”
This study argues that the motivation in lifelong learning for professional development is worth exploring due to the self-directed nature of lifelong learning. The Propensity for Lifelong Learning Scale (PELLS) was developed, drawing on identity theory and the personal learning identity framework. Koh Wei Xun aims to understand the lack of lifelong learning engagement in the individuals who have sufficient reasons and motivation to do so. To this end, two studies are conducted:
- Study 1: The Propensity for Lifelong Learning (PELL) construct is explored as a possible proxy for the lack of drive and commitment to lifelong learning.
- Study 2: The role of prior life and educational experiences is explored as a major influence, among other factors, in shaping the development of an individual’s PELL.
Natalia Rosenfeld and Ko Wei Xun showed various definitions of lifelong learning and methodologies for studying this issue and provided an opportunity to learn about the diversity of approaches in this area.
Discussants noted the benefit of multicultural nature of the discussion and also gave recommendations that can help improve the research. In addition, Anita Poplavskaya also highlighted the concerns associated with the possible deterioration of the quality of education and the differences in the methods of obtaining education (classical academy vs. additional courses), which makes it difficult to choose a right path. Li Jun noted the importance of social, economic and national contexts as factors influencing the way of learning and making educational decisions by different generations.
We thank all participants and look forward to the next meetings of the International PhD Seminar.
Discussants:
Deputy Department Head, Senior Lecturer at Department of Economic Sociology (HSE University)
Associate Professor, Institute of Vocational Education, Tongji University (China)