Lifelong learning skills development through informal learning in youth centres within the Maltese context

Abstract

Youth centers were always and still are considered of crucial importance in Maltese youth policies, as also are important informal learning and lifelong learning. This study explores whether through informal learning within Maltese youth centres, metacognition process, and hence the development of metacognitive skills, are being addressed, implemented and developed to equip youth with lifelong learning skills. Metacognitive skills development are considered by many theorists as a foundational aspect in the lifelong learning discourse, since lifelong learning promotes the idea of effective learning and lifetime skills development not only through formal learning but also through informal learning in one’s lifetime. All this also in the light of a learning and a knowledge based society. The investigation was carried out by using a qualitative approach to research, using the interview as the main qualitative method.