Soft Systems Approach in Creating Future Readiness for Vocational Adult Education

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Abstract
This study investigates the structure of future readiness. A soft systems model of future readiness was explored empirically through elements taken from the educational development project Adult Education Now! Campaign (AENC), organized in Finland 1989‐90. One hundred and four vocational institutions out of a total of 466 took part and presented initiatives for the development of vocational education. Questionnaires were mailed to people responsible for adult education in these AENC participating institutions. The adult educators were asked to present future perspectives and development strategies concerning the future of adult education. One hundred and seventeen (N = 117) adult educators responded to the questionnaire. Based on the results, the author concludes that future readiness consists of integration between (1) educational development strategies, (2) industry and employer needs, (3) situations where a concrete educational need or a development idea for adult education has emerged, and (4) adult educators’ future perspectives. Finally, a description of the steps taken when practitioners were discussing forecasting problems is given.

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