Lifelong Learning Expectations of Young Academics – Analysis of Polish and Hungarian Technical Universities

Abstract

This article presents a qualitative study of lifelong learning (LLL) requirements of university employees from the Warsaw University of Technology (WUT) and the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME). The main aim of the study was to gain understanding of young people expectations and attitudes towards LLL. Aims of the study included: identification of employees’ requirements in terms of LLL; identification of education activities and employee perception of university activities. Data for the study were gathered in individual interviews. The same, standardized openended questions were used in both institutions to allow comparison of the results. Interview questions concerned the willingness of participation in LLL, education forms, areas of education and perception of the university. The participants of the interviews were 24 young people from the WUT and BME. Research shows that there are no significant differences between Polish and Hungarian representatives who are eager to learn and have many interests and positive features; however, they have high requirements and expectations. This research will allow to prepare informative and effective LLL universities’ strategies.

Keywords

• young generation
• lifelong learning
• technical universities