Educational planning in a small state-Malta : proposals for a new approach

Abstract

Due to the close interpersonal relationships characteristic of small states, planners tend to be "conservative" in the planning process. The same relationships can short-circuit the planning process by interference from individuals or particular interest groups. As a result the policies do not reflect the prevailing social aspirations of the larger society. Very often local reforms in education are carbon copies or similar versions of policies adopted in larger states and do not fit the local setting. There is also a lack of consensus among political parties with the result that educational reforms are short-lived. This lack of continuity results in a waste of much needed funds and in whole generations of students being let down as one reform spawns another. The economic vulnerability and the financial limitations characteristic of small states call for educational reforms which are based on local research and the aspirations of the society. This together with the emphasis being placed on quality education and the clamour from teachers, parents and students to have a say in that which directly affects them, requires a new outlook on educational planning in small states. A planning process which exploits the scale factor. The comparatively small population of small states makes it possible to cultivate participation of stakeholders both in the policy formulation and in the implementation processes. The scale factor offers the possibility to carry out local research much easier than in larger states. Such an approach to planning will minimise the advantages associated with small states in the planning process.