Continuing Education

Introduction

This era has been labeled the “age of speed,” yet this description falls short. Some have called it the “age of knowledge explosion,” but this too does not fully capture its essence. In truth, the best way to describe this era is as a race toward the unknown future. Nations that stagnate in their education and development and neglect the importance of renewal and speed are the ones that fall behind. Conversely, nations that embrace renewal and adapt to the fast-paced world are those that lead, progress, and drive global advancements. To develop society, we must first develop individuals, and this can only be achieved through education and experience. In this fast-paced world, only those who possess knowledge and utilize it in the service of technology will succeed in the race.

Concept of Continuing Education

Continuing education is not a new concept; it is as old as civilization itself. Education is an ongoing process that does not stop at a certain age or a specific stage of schooling. As John Dewey said regarding this type of education, “True learning begins after we leave school, and there is no reason for it to stop before death.” Thus, continuing education can be defined as any learning or training after formal education, aimed at developing professional skills and enhancing job performance. It consists of educational activities designed to deliver correct and up-to-date information and skills to all members of society in their respective fields.

Continuing Education Through History

Ancient civilizations called for the idea of continuing education. In primitive societies, education primarily aimed to develop adaptability to the era’s demands, helping individuals face life’s challenges and secure basic living needs.
Even after the advent of schools, education did not significantly differ from that of early human life, as its primary purpose was to pass down heritage, values, customs, and skills from one generation to the next.
Continuing education has evolved over time, adapting to the period it encounters. In the dawn of Islamic civilization, continuing education was emphasized as essential for Muslims to face the challenges of their time and attain higher levels of faith. The Qur’an acknowledges the importance of knowledge with the verse: “And you have been given of knowledge but little”, and the verse: “My Lord, increase me in knowledge”. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also emphasized this in his sayings: “Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave” and “Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim”, highlighting the necessity of lifelong learning.
In the present, the concept of continuing education has matured and become clearer on a global level. Nations are now striving to provide suitable resources to support this education, recognizing its importance in meeting the demands of the modern era.

Characteristics of Continuing Education

Continuing education is based on several key characteristics that distinguish it and enhance its significance. These characteristics are centered around five main pillars:

1. Universality: It encompasses all stages of human life, from cradle to grave, and includes all forms of learning, both formal and informal.

2. Integration: It integrates knowledge from all sources, including home, community, school, and training centers.

3. Flexibility: It adapts to the changing needs of the era in terms of what is taught, how it is taught, and why it is taught, recognizing the need for constant change.

4. Democracy: It affirms the right of all people to learn, regardless of economic, social, cultural, or intellectual differences. Education is for everyone.

5. Self-Realization: This education aims to help individuals realize and develop their potential, allowing them to live in harmony with societal and temporal demands. It fosters creativity and innovation, contributing to a more advanced and progressive society.

Philosophy of Continuing Education

The philosophy of continuing education is rooted in the importance of education in addressing continuous change. No truth is absolute; truths evolve with life, and education serves society by adapting to these changes.
As societies have evolved into cultural, economic, and informational hubs, especially in the context of globalization, the need for adaptability has grown. This requires continuous renewal to avoid gaps caused by delays in development. Continuing education becomes essential as the wheel of development moves forward, potentially leaving behind those who fail to keep pace.
From this perspective, it is clear that continuing education is based on the philosophy that education must persist throughout life, as it is the key to individual development. By continuously updating their knowledge and skills, individuals contribute to societal progress. This philosophy allows individuals the freedom to learn, unlock their potential, and constantly renew their expertise, stopping only when life itself stops. Therefore, every person must strive to develop themselves through continuing education and self-learning, whether individually or within organized social institutions. Ultimately, this leads to a society that is in harmony with its time and keeps up with its developments.

Continuing Education Unit in the College

The University of Baghdad plays a crucial role in the development of individuals, providing a foundation for their progress and future plans. The university continually engages with society to understand its needs and meet them, enhancing individual capabilities. The Continuing Education Unit serves as the link between the university and society, identifying the training needs of the community and addressing them through specialized training programs. It also offers programs to qualify professionals for obtaining practical and international professional certificates, enabling society to benefit from the university’s resources and expertise.
Since its establishment, the Continuing Education Unit in the college has been providing educational and training services through carefully designed programs, workshops, and study sessions in cooperation with the college’s administration, faculty, and departments. This supports all faculty members and staff in their continuous professional development activities, contributing to the unit’s good reputation and the growing number of trainees year after year.
Thus, the Continuing Education Unit at the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences for Women – University of Baghdad serves as a multidisciplinary learning source for individuals and institutions in both the public and private sectors. It aims to develop professional performance by providing knowledge, experience, and skills that meet current and future job needs.

Unit Management

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lamia Abdul Sattar (Head of Unit)

Mrs. Nusrat Al-Asadi (Member)

Vision of the Unit

1. To place the Continuing Education Unit at the forefront in the field of development and continuing education.

2. To be a model in what we offer.

3. To expand the base of beneficiaries from the unit’s services to include all segments of society.

4. To continue offering programs and training courses.

5. To raise awareness in society about the role and importance of the Continuing Education Unit, encouraging community support to achieve its goals.

Mission of the Unit

1. To positively develop individuals working in public and private sectors and various segments of society.

2. To unlock latent human potential, leading to the highest levels of performance.

3. To qualify the best human competencies to become leaders in society.

4. To bring about positive change at the individual and institutional levels by providing necessary knowledge and skills through training and consultation.

Goals of the Unit

The Continuing Education Unit aims to achieve the following goals:

1. Contribute to the dissemination of scientific and technical culture and awareness across all sectors of society through various means, including study sessions, seminars, and conferences, to address the needs and requirements of society.

2. Preserve and develop scientific knowledge.

3. Foster interaction between the Ministry of Higher Education and various institutions to exchange scientific expertise.

4. Acquire modern and accurate skills and practices.

5. Stay updated on new developments in specialized fields to ensure rapid and continuous progress.

6. Provide qualified personnel and advanced consulting solutions.

7. Offer professional support and scientific assistance.

8. Contribute to the development of educational methods used in teaching.

9. Serve society and advance it to the ranks of developed nations.

10. Interact with society and meet the needs of individuals.

Role of the Dean in Activating the Unit

1. Collaborate with governmental and private institutions to implement joint training programs that serve the goals of society.

2. Establish proper foundations and standards for the Continuing Education Unit’s work plan, including scientific content, goals, target audience, and lecturers for each activity.

3. Design and execute contractual training courses to meet the needs of society.

4. Organize conferences, seminars, and scientific workshops.

5. Prepare proposed training plans at the start of each new year, covering all seminars, courses, conferences, and workshops that align with essential knowledge needs.

6. Nominate individuals to participate in suitable courses, seminars, and workshops relevant to their specialties.

7. Hold regular meetings for the Continuing Education Unit members to set and review the implementation plans for the set objectives.

8. Prepare periodic reports on ongoing training courses and future plans.

9. Raise awareness of the importance of progress, particularly at the scientific level.

10. Follow up on the activities of the Continuing Education Unit and document them.

The Dean of the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences for Women, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suhad Qasim Saeed, has shown great interest in the Continuing Education Unit by regularly monitoring its activities, including conferences, seminars, training courses, and workshops. Her efforts in proposing training plans have contributed to the development of career paths, aligning with the college’s goals. She has emphasized the participation of faculty members and staff in training courses organized by various institutions, recognizing the importance of continuing education in developing scientific knowledge and raising awareness among all professionals in various fields to provide qualified personnel and meet societal needs. Thus, the College of Physical Education for Women has played a significant role in activating the Continuing Education Unit by:

1. Carefully selecting members for the Continuing Education Unit committee.

2. Equipping the Continuing Education Unit with all necessary tools to fulfill its responsibilities.

3. Approving and monitoring the implementation of the unit’s action plans in cooperation with its members.

4. Offering necessary support when needed.

5. Conduct.