This research investigates the problem of how to initiate a training program for state education agency staff to increase individual and organizational capabilities for coping with uncertain futures. The investigation used a four-stage process of exploration, model-building, design/development, and validation to construct and test a model which would engage prospective learners in producing plans and generating evaluation data, while also enhancing their readiness to participate in subsequent training activities. / The model identifies functional tasks and decision questions for planning elements, evaluation elements, and cooperative learning elements, which are to be addressed during a five to six phase cycle of planning and learning sessions. Elements and tasks are based upon a synthesis of prescriptions from literature and other information sources on (a) the future as a field of study; (b) the adult professional as a learner; (c) nonformal education as a setting; and (d) models for planning and instructional decision making. / A prototype based upon the model was tested, using evidence from design sources and from the outputs and opinions of the state education agency staff who participated in the study. Sixteen research questions addressed five dimensions of validity. Thirteen questions yielded positive judgements, one question produced a judgement of "somewhat positive", and two questions yielded negative judgements, for an overall percentage exceeding 81% positive judgements of validity. These findings suggested further that the model is valid along three of the identified dimensions (productive, practical and adaptable). For the other two dimensions (adequate in scope and acceptable), some question remains. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 42-01, Section: A, page: 0075. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1981.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_74389 |
| Contributors | MASTERTON, PAULINE MERBITZ., Florida State University |
| Source Sets | Florida State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text |
| Format | 365 p. |
| Rights | On campus use only. |
| Relation | Dissertation Abstracts International |
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