University and workplace cultures: their impact on the development of lifelong learners

PURPOSE - Literature has shown the importance of lifelong learning in the education of today's workforce and the crucial role of Higher Education in preparing graduates for lifelong learning. A national study on lifelong learning in the medical radiation science (MRS refers to all aspects of diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy) profession in Australia and undergraduate courses was conducted in 1999. Based on the results of this study, this paper focuses on the relationship between university and workplace culture and evaluates how these cultures impact on the development of lifelong learners in the profession. METHODS - Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used to determine the importance of lifelong learning amongst stakeholders in the universities and the workplace. These included conducting a survey of heads of MRS schools, focus group discussion and interviews with MRS academics, and nationwide surveys of MRS students, practitioners and heads of clinical departments. RESULTS - While Australian MRS schools are supportive of lifelong learning in terms of their course objectives, teaching approaches and assessment methods, the workplace culture in MRS for lifelong learning was not supportive. This is evidenced in the failure to provide a supportive learning environment, inadequate support for research initiatives and the exclusion of lifelong learning attributes from the job selection criteria for new graduates entering the workforce. CONCLUSIONS - The discrepancy between university and workplace culture represents a major obstacle in the development of lifelong learning attributes amongst MRS students and practitioners. Universities assume a vital role in the development and promotion of lifelong learning among students. However, it is equally important that the workplace culture also provides an environment that supports lifelong learning.