LECTURE 4

10 March 2011

Education is both a measure of wellbeing and a determinant of many of the other important aspects. Those with higher levels of education tend to have better health, higher incomes and stronger social relationships. However, many people obtain intrinsic value from studying and learning. While formal studies at school, university or other tertiary institutions is an important aspect of education, opportunities for informal learning can also have a positive impact on subjective and objective measures of wellbeing. Recognising the dual role of education, this lecture is separated into two parts—the economic and social benefits (or returns) to education for the Indigenous population and the determinants of education participation. A particular focus of this lecture will be on the development of skills and learning across the Indigenous lifecourse.