In this essay, we examine what kind of themes that are found in essays written by students who have studied within the teacher programme at universities in Sweden. The goal of our essay is to find themes that are reoccurring in eight student essays, and that can be understood through the concept of lifelong learning. Our essay combines three research methods. It is mainly an essay where we utilize qualitative reading research, but we have also gained inspiration from hermeneutics and the critical thinking.

The result of our study shows that students within the teacher programme in Sweden are well aware of the strong points found within the concept of lifelong learning. Three themes were found that were reoccurring within all essays. These were the teacher as a role-model, as well as a person of empathy. We also found the need for a teacher to be a reflective practician. Lastly, the teacher needs to be a good communicator.

The idea of the teacher being a role model were mainly found within essays written towards pre-school education. The need for being a reflective practician were found in essays written towards upper secondary levels as well as adult education, whereas the idea of the teacher being a good communicator were mainly found in essays concerning adult education.