Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the perception level of pre-school pre-service teachers  concerning lifelong learning and to verify if there is a meaningful relationship between lifelong learning perception and gender/grade levels of  students. The study group of the research designed by scanning model is made up of Abant Izzet Baysal University Bolu Preschool Education Teaching program students (N= 217). The research data were obtained from the application of "Lifelong Learning Perception Scale". Mean, standard deviation and t- tests were used in data analysis. As a result of the research, it was concluded that pre-school pre-service teachers do believe in the necessity and importance of life-long learning, but show no interest concerning lifelong learning activities in cultural terms aside of their profession. On the other hand, no significant correlation was found between the students' perceptions of lifelong learning and the gender variable. In terms of grade variable, final grade students have presented more favorable opinion compared to lower grades.

Key words: Life long learning, adult education, pre-school education, pre-service teachers.