Part A-Task 2
Self-managed learning is, as Graves (2012) notes, a process by which individual people find different ways of learning things; whether it is within an organisation, or with reference to individual career developments goals. However, as
Pedlar, Burgoyne and Boydell (2013) may suggest, self-managed learning is also about the setting of goals through evaluating the purpose for learning and planning ways by which to achieve such goals. Individuals may learn new things by using a lot of different techniques which can be shaped through their culture, behaviour, personality, and perceptions. This can also be seen through various different approaches such as:
Seminars and Conferences- Seminars and conferences are an effective tool which provides individuals with opportunities to meet other people working in their field. It also presents the opportunity to give information or obtain information which could help one learn new things thus, provides a dynamic learning environment. Furthermore, seminars and conferences can help individuals to become more confident in public speaking and may also help them develop on their presentation skills.
Social Networks- There are a range of different social networks which individuals spend an increasing part of their time on such as Facebook, Twitter, My Space, etc. These sites enable individuals to chat with friends or learn new things. It is particularly the case when individuals share information and knowledge through bulletin boards and forums on these sites. Information received from these can enable Individuals to apply the knowledge obtained to their own lives and thereby find the means of succeeding in their own careers.
Research- Research and innovation is one of the driving forces in our economy which continues to expand. This has become increasingly true since the development of the internet and the web. Individuals can learn through the research they are undertaking as part of their work or as part of an assignment that they have been issued by either the university or college they are studying at.
Internet- The internet is home to a vast amount of data. Search engines such as Google, Yahoo, and Firefox provide individuals with useful access to academic journals, articles, books, etc. Through accessing such data people can acquire the knowledge they need to be successful in the work place. Through the internet and self-managed learning, an individual such as myself can obtain experience on a range of different topics that can transform the way we think about the world.
Lifelong learning is a self-motivated pursuit of continuous learning for either personal capacity or professional reasons.
This occurs through a wide range of experiences, for instance, formal education, personal research, interpersonal relationships, and work based training. Jaques Delors’ (1996) defines lifelong learning as “learning that is pursued throughout life: learning that is flexible, diverse and available at different times and in different places.”

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There are many ways to encourage lifelong learning in personal and professional contexts, such as self-directed learning, and continuing professional development.
Self-directed learning is about individuals taking the steps, without the assistance of others, in determining their learning needs, developing their learning goals, identify resources for their learning, to choose and carry out appropriate learning strategies, and evaluating their learning outcomes. An individual who is a self-directed learner can be characterized as motivated, persistent, independent, self-disciplined, self-confident and goal oriented. With proper planning and implementation, self-directed learning can encourage employees/individuals to develop their own rules and leadership patterns. Self-directed learning is promoted in Aon Insurance Managers (Malta) PCC Ltd through our Aon University which gives access to all employees to over 5000 courses on-line at any given time. This not only benefits the organization in the long-run, it also benefits the employee/individual to strengthen their position of their role within the organization. Continuing professional development (CPD) are approaches, ideas and techniques which can help you manage your own learning and growth development. Growth and success in the ever-changing world of work is increasingly about individuals taking responsibility for their personal development. Our evolving culture requires that individuals be accountable for self-direction, to practice self-management of their own learning and to actively search for wider experiences and opportunities. From Aon’s organizational perceptive (CPD) benefits them as it helps maximize their employees potential, it helps build the staff morale and motivate their workforce, which in turn also helps give them a positive image/brand. From an employee’s stand point (CPD) it could enable them to build confidence and credibility and become more productive and efficient in their role.
Self-managed learning is beneficial to an individual as it gives them freedom of choice; it’s flexible and is tailored for their individual needs.
Continuous improvement is a good way of reflecting how constantly learning and improving yourself can bring benefits within an organization. Employees who can self-manage themselves to learn new ways in which they perform their jobs can reduce wastages, increase efficiencies, productivities and increase motivation within the workforce. Self-managed learning also benefits the organization as it places greater responsibility on the individual to empower themselves and to take the initiative in planning their own personal development.
As an employee continuous lifelong learning can benefit the body, mind and consent growth of career path. Lifelong learning can improve one’s self-esteem and help one live a fuller and better-rounder life. By broadening your horizons through lifelong learning, you can develop greater understanding and more knowledge in fields which interest you. As well as add to your expertise in every aspect of your life, no matter your age. Learning new things can also help keep your mind sharp and promote a feeling of well-being. This will not only help you throughout your career, as studies have also shown that individuals who continue lifelong learning are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.
(www.timigustafson.com) In today’s economy the consent changes and expectations of employers makes it harder for employees not to continue with their learning development. As employees at Aon Insurance Managers (Malta) PCC
Limited we are accepted to master evolving skills and rise to the presented challenges while staying current with new technology in order to stay in the know (how) at work. It’s important for employees to be both forward thinking and accepting of the evolving challenges in order to protect or advance in our careers.

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