International Journal of Educational Research and Development Vol. 8(1), pp. 001-015, March 2021 ISSN 2327-316X ©2021 Academe Research Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Greek EFL Teachers’ Beliefs and Attitudes towards Lifelong Education in Greece

Effrosyni K. Giannarou

12 Patriarhou Fotiou St, 13121 Ilion, Greece

*Corresponding author’s. E-mail: frosgian@hotmail.com

Accepted 10 March, 2021

Abstract

This paper refers to English taught as a foreign language within lifelong learning structures functioning in Greece. The lifelong learning structures investigated are Second Chance Schools, Vocational Training Institutes and Centers of Lifelong Learning. The purpose of the research is to investigate Greek EFL teacher knowledge on lifelong learning structures functioning in Greece and on the role of English taught in them. Another goal is to examine the teachers’ beliefs and attitudes towards lifelong education in Greece. Moreover, the research aims at examining whether Greek EFL teachers would make suggestions toward changes in the areas of educative materials, facilities and teacher training to improve the way that English as a foreign language is offered within lifelong learning in Greece. The method chosen is qualitative research materialized through interviews. The sample includes five Greek EFL teachers with teaching experience in lifelong education. Findings show that the Greek EFL teachers interviewed have sufficient knowledge of lifelong learning structures functioning in Greece as well as of their operation and the role of English taught as a foreign language subject matter in them. The teachers have a positive attitude toward these structures. The teachers also place great emphasis on the need for further teacher training. In conclusion, the findings show a positive attitude of the teachers towards English in lifelong education. There are numerous new suggestions put forward all conducive to the improvement and the development of English offered as a foreign language subject matter within the field of lifelong education in Greece.

Keywords: lifelong learning, beliefs, attitudes, English as a foreign language, qualitative research, educative materials, facilities, teacher training