The Scenario of a Learning Society Model Toward Promoting a Positive Paradigm Shift for Communities

Abstract

<jats:p>This study uses a prospective qualitative approach. The Ethnographic Delphi Futures Research (EDFR) technique is used to propose a learning society model. The data include a review of peer-reviewed literature, a field study visit and observation of five best practices communities in Thailand, in-depth interviews to gain experts’ perspectives, mini-Delphi techniques questionnaires, focus group discussions, and model evaluation. Qualitative data were transcribed and analyzed using content-analysis. Policy makers, practitioners from public and private agencies, educational personnel, and community leaders were among the 42 individuals involved in the data collection effort. Results revealed essential elements for development of a learning society including, principles, developmental processes, strategies, and key success factors to enhance a positive paradigm shift for communities. It is anticipated that the findings will (1) add meaningful information and practical guidelines for developing a learning society, (2) contribute to ensuring the quality of citizen participation and ensure balanced and sustainable development of communities and societies, and (3) serve as a basis for further research.</jats:p>

Strategies for developing a sustainable learning society: An analysis of lifelong learning in Thailand

“…In the 21st century, global demands for economic competitiveness and social cohesion, the application of information technologies for interactive communication and associated learning, and the growing awareness of the need for lifelong learning strategies all combine to ensure sustainable economic and community development. Ever since the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) funded a project to create wellbeing of its people (Charungkaittikul 2011a). A learning society is comprised of learners, learning providers, learning resources, wisdom/knowledge, lifelong learning activities, learning climates, learning networks, knowledge management and learning organisations (Charungkaittikul 2011b).…”

“…Ever since the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) funded a project to create wellbeing of its people (Charungkaittikul 2011a). A learning society is comprised of learners, learning providers, learning resources, wisdom/knowledge, lifelong learning activities, learning climates, learning networks, knowledge management and learning organisations (Charungkaittikul 2011b).…”

“…Our intention in this article is therefore to give an overview of the current situation of lifelong learning in Thailand, to present an analysis and synthesis of best practices and then to propose practical strategies for developing a sustainable learning society. Extensive background to this paper was provided by research studies we conducted recently (Charungkaittikul and Henschke 2011;Charungkaittikul 2011a, b).…”

Applying Andragogical Concepts in Creating a Sustainable Lifelong Learning Society

“…Andragogyremainsoneofthedominantmodelsofadulteducation (Blaszczak,2012),especially in this knowledge-based society, where knowledge is, simultaneously, the autonomic value and powerfulsocialcapital.Hence,lifelonglearningisveryimportantwhichcanultimatelyleadtothe formationofalifelonglearningsociety.Andragogyhasaroletoplayincontributingtolifelong learning (Henschke,2016),alsoinfluencingeconomic (Henschke,2013b)andsocialdevelopment. Charungkaittikul(2011)andCharungkaittkilandHenschke(2014)mentionedthatlifelonglearners arethemaincomponentinlearningsocietydevelopment.Weneedtorediscoverthis-anotvery visiblevalueinthelanguageoflifelonglearning.…”

“…Thesesocietiesinfluencedthedevelopmentofthelearningsociety. Charungkaittikul(2011)providedthemostextensivein-depthstudythatincludesmorethan600 pagesofdetailingtheresultsofalearningsocietydevelopment.Thestudyrevealedthefiveessential elementsforenhancingsustainablelifelonglearningdevelopment:the(1)componentsofalearning society;the(2)principlesforthedevelopmentofalearningsociety;the(3)stepsinthedevelopment processofalearningsociety;the(4)thestrategiesforthedevelopmentofalearningsociety;andthe (5)keysuccessfactorsfordevelopingalearningsociety.Allcomponentscomprisedetailswhichcan reallybeputintopractice (Charungkaittikul,2011).Thus,alearningsocietydevelopmentiscomprised ofbothsocialstructureandinstitutionalstructuretowardlifelonglearning.Theindividuallearning communities/cities/townsalloperateintheirownlocallyappropriateways.…”