Depends on varied factors such as

Dear Collegues!

I wonder why no one has wanted to speak on the future of folk high schools in Europe. Maybe someone would like to formulate a statement on this subject? I would be very thankful to her/him,  tm

Depends on varied factors such as

Professor Krishnan Umachandran Thank you for your directory conditions for the development of folk high schools / people's college. I hope that other opinions and comments will appear soon.

LKSS MERASI SCHOOL - Students possess new strengths and exhibit remarkable selfconfidence.

http://folkartsrajasthan.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/1-FAR-Annual-Report-2015_sm.pdf

Folk high schools are institutions for adult education that generally do not grant academic degrees, though certain courses might exist leading to that goal. They are most commonly found in Nordic countries and in Germany and Austria.

The backbone of the European Film College's teaching principles is formed by the Danish folk high school principles:

-- No prior qualifications needed for admission. You just have to be over 18 and able to speak English

-- Residential course with resident teachers

-- Living with and learning from both teachers and fellow students

-- Learning by doing and evaluations

http://www.europeanfilmcollege.com/about-efc/the-folk-high-school-philosophy/

This is the first time in which I see the question.

In Denmark, there are more than 75 folk high schools (probably the largest in Europe or all over the world). This number does not indicate that this type of schooling will vanish. I used to call this type of school education "Learning through Shared Living" and I think that there will be more of it if there is more awareness about its advantages. The star of the folk schools is the one which contains teachers & students from all over the world & this has yet to be established. There is international folk school in Denmark but it is with respect to students & not teachers, as far as I know. Please see attached reference.

http://www.ipc.dk/about-international-stuides-ipc/what-is-a-folk-high-school/

I think it would continue in Europe, but on a limited scale, because the educational and social environment in Europe help them to continue. But in developing countries, (I think it's limited) can not keep her because of unstable conditions in general in these countries.

I have read @Nizar's attachment! Fine resource: "So what is a Folk High School? A unique place in the world, where learning is central; Not only academically speaking but also learning about other people and their lives – learning about yourself and your wishes in life!...

Folk High Schools offer various classes and subjects. Some schools are focused on journalism, some on art, and others on music. The general idea is that learning must be fun and encouraging..."

https://youtu.be/UZ2a4NKppOA

https://youtu.be/UX5niqP71hc

Dear Thomasz,

Dear All,

It is obvious that adults need continuous education thus, folk schools should be supported. However, establishment and maintenance of folk schools need financial means as well as a healthy political will. Neither of them is available in some European countries.

Dear Colleagues,

Good Day,

Main Features of folk high schools:

The character of folk high schools differ from country to country, but usually institutions have the following common features:

• Large variety of subject
• No final exams
• A focus on self-development
• Pedagogical freedom
• Courses last between a few months and one year, with per-course fees
• No numerus clausus (entrance exams).

Please, see the following sites for detail:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folk_high_school

http://mullsjofolkhogskola.nu/in-english/the-nordic-folk-high-schools/

Folk high schools in Germany and Austria are called Adult education centres (ger. Volkshochschule). They usually funded on a local level and provide non-credit courses for adults in:

-general education

-vocational education

-political education

-German as a second language (especially for immigrants)

-various foreign languages

-various forms of art

-information technology

-health education

-preparatory classes for school exams (especially for the Abitur or Matura)

This type of the folk high school is currently more widespread in Germany than in Austria. Because they offer preparatory classes for school exams, the German Adult education centers also function as the equivalent of adult high schools in other countries. Germany also has Adult education centers that are boarding schools, called Heimvolkshochschulen.

Taking into account the characteristics of this type of school, It is expected that they will continue to function as in the past, at least in Austria

Online Options to Complete a High School Diploma Limited for Adults! "Many online high schools require adult students to pay a fee, which can be expensive. But most states offer some option for adults to earn a high school credential for free or at a relatively low cost, though that option might not be online." This is US story.

http://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/articles/2015/02/12/online-options-to-complete-a-high-school-diploma-limited-for-adults

I thank all colleagues who wished to answer the question about the future of folk high schools in the world. Maybe someone would like to add your answer / opinion / or / and suggest links to interesting websites and articles on the subject. I would be very grateful,

with best regards

Thomas

I just want to confirm Jorges comments to "Volkshochsulen" in Germany. Some small supplements. VHS are funded by different sources, these are state, communes, donors, charges for participants...

VHS don´t deliver higher qualifications like universities, the name "Hochschule" is mistakable. Besides languages for immigrants one of the most teached curricula are all european and world languages, health, social fields, history, culture, natural science..

The number of VHS in Germany is incredible high, nearly every larger cummunity runs this kind of schools for adults.

I think, there is a future for high schools in my country, Iraq.

These are the schools that do not grant academic degrees correct? I think there is hope for them in Europe and elsewhere as there are many individuals who believe education is more than a letter grade, title or piece of paper handed to you but the problem is that majority attend educational institutions in order to receive that degree or hold a title rather than for the sole purpose of enlightening oneself.

The folk Universities were popular in Russia in the 19-20c.For ex.the University n.a.Shanyavsky in Moscow,where Sergey Esenin,Nikolay Klyuev got education and Vygotsky was a teacher.In 1920 they were closed.Nowadays there are some folk Universities-The University of Arts in Moscow,in Chelyabinsk,in Nizhny Novgorod etc I'm a teacher in Sunday school (part-time).All is free for students-courses,cultural programs,meals,presents,tourism.http://www.znui.ru/ 

http://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/status-i-rol-narodnyh-universitetov-v-russkom-zarubezhie-v-1920-e-gody

http://rodnaya-istoriya.ru/index.php/istoriya-miuss/istoriya-miuss/narodnie-universiteti-v-rossii-konca-xix-%E2%80%93-nachala-xx-vv.html

In China, in the new era of market economy, the emergence of a large number of structural unemployment, the unemployed to re-employment, it must be back to "recharge/further study", update their knowledge, changing technology structure, improve job skills; with the advent of the knowledge economy era, the concept of lifelong educationIt will be more popular, people's knowledge structure always facing challenges all the time, all of which are required to resolve by folk high schools/people's colleges. All of above make a tremendous potential market of folk high schools/people's colleges.

That's just my two cents.

Best,

The example of Open University in Subotica, Serbia.

"Promoting the concept of lifelong learning, the Centre for Education offers a wide spectrum of educational contents and forms to users from various social groups.

The offered range of the programmes for acquisition and improvement of knowledge and skills is formed on the basis of constant monitoring of contemporary trends and the latest methodological approaches to the teaching process, but also in response to the identified needs of the users..."

http://www.openunsubotica.rs/index.php?languages=english

Dear Tomasz

In Kerala we have a Kalamandalam (kala=Art, Mandala=Area) which is a University, and does grant bachelors and masters degrees in Performing arts such as Kathakali, Mohiniyattom, etc (www.kalamandalam.org/). They teach a lot and the students passing out are doing very well and keeping our folk arts from dying. We also have two Music colleges in addition to Music departments in many colleges. Those who pass out from here are doing well in the media, films, etc., etc.

In kerala, since last >50 years, we have a annual School youth festival just for arts, which I think is the biggest of its sort in the world (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerala_School_Kalolsavam). Most of the winners are doing well in Cinemas, Professional troupes, etc, financially and other wise.

So I thinkin your country too, it is best to convert these Folk UNiversities to regular Institutions with out any loss of flavour, and go ahead determinedly.

Wish you grand success and I am sure that you will.

Narayanan

Folk schools, I believe, are largely a Scandinavian concept. I'm not too sure about it but based on some information from the site scandinavianseminar.org, their focus is on:

1. “Youth,” not childhood, should be the proper time for education.

2. Students should be taught in their native language.

3. Education should focus on the native country’s conditions, history

and culture, rather than classical civilization.

(http://www.scandinavianseminar.org/?id=101)

Well, I think this offers wonderful opportunities for authentic learning where learners are expected to find greater meaning, relevance, and rootedness in what they learn. And although this is expected to enrich the learning experience in many ways and help students realize the wealth of their own language and culture, I think it is also important in times of rapid globalization and transnational collaboration to develop contextual and perennial skills such as cross-cultural awareness, and universal humanistic consciousness that goes beyond cultural relativism. The shift toward visual literacy and semiotics might also make it easier to transcend the limits of language and explore distant horizons. Success lies in striking a balance where our diversity and connectedness harmoniously co-exist.

Educational institution of all kinds has a place in human society. High school and community colleges play a major role in modern society, more so now than in the past in face of growing social and economic divide---because these school provides opportunity and accessibility to secondary and post-secondary education to the people who otherwise lack opportunity, i.e. due to cost, distance, etc.

It is hard to find an equivalent in my country, where similar institutions exist, but I think almost all of them are profit-oriented, and issue certificates of various kinds, most of them are recognized by the authority as proofs of working skills, such as computer, hairdressing, etc. 

Future of folk in the  high school may remain the part & contribution in the 21 th century also .The development of folk dances every where in the world with the traditional cultural is to historical background & with the passage of time certain changes have presented in the folk dances however folk dances in the new changed cultural environment it has taken in certain cases in negative shape which we all agree that it is a reflection of sorry episode in order to survive the customary privilege of folk dance should maintain in dignified mode .However this is my personal opinion

Folk schools may be a compromise between home schooling and the public school system. Therefore satisfying the needs of those that want the best of these two polar extremes.

Dear @Shian, I agree with your positioning of folk schools. But, what happens if Public education disappear? Do you consider it possible?

Is The End Near for Public Education...?

Good article is attached.

"When the end finally does come for public education it's unlikely to be by government action. Instead, at some point in the next two or three decades public schools will simply find themselves completely outdated by technology, to the point that they will stand alone and unused, rendered as obsolete as public phone booths, or secretarial pools.

Whatever replaces the current system will be an emergent, evolutionary phenomenon, demanded by individual consumers (i.e., students and their parents), and augmented by technology. We can only hope it emerges sooner rather than later."

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/end-near-public-education-don-peppers?trk=eml-b2_content_ecosystem_digest-recommended_articles-49-null&midToken=AQHLIjW6KB_ESw&fromEmail=fromEmail&ut=1tfVSJQHv8zn01

 Dear Ljubomir Jacić,

Indeed the emergent trend seems to point to public education's extinction but I think the system will be kept alive for ideological reasons. I have categorized folk schools as distinct from public schools in my previous post. Since public schools aspire to offer a universal and equitable education at subsidized cost or for free, there will always be takers. Some out of necessity, others out of a believe that education encompasses, other than info delivery, a preparation for integration within the larger society. So while at the pedagogical front, it may already be outdated by new technology, public schools may still function in its role to prepare students experientially, for the society at large. Especially to cultivate  an inclusive and healthy mindset in relation to public institutions, and hopefully a more integrative citizenry. Education has the power to create mavericks or subservient employees, it depends which is in shorter supply at a given time.

From the 1980s, a forceful grass-roots initiative, the day folk high schools, which was also strongly supported by the unions, turned into an entirely new type of school for the unemployed. So great was the satisfaction with the schools’ efforts regarding the unemployed that they obtained their own regulatory framework in 1990.

Today, offering qualifying courses has become part of the purpose of the day folk high schools, aiming to strengthen the participants’ personal development and improving their opportunities in the education system and on the labour market. The schools offer a wide range of activities, often with cultural, social, creative and aesthetic aspects. Teaching includes both general and vocationally oriented topics.

The case study from Denmark! Dear @Nizar has brought relevant contribution. I have found an interesting paper 

Skill Needs and the Institutional Framework Conditions for Enterprise-Sponsored CVT – The Case of Denmark 

"In the 1980s, day folk high schools were introduced. The target group was primarily persons with low levels of education, typically women, who had only weak connections to the labour market.Today, offering qualifying courses has become part of the purpose of the day folk high schools with the aim of strengthening the participants’ personal development and improving their opportunities in the education system and on the labour market.

The schools offer a wide range of activities, often incorporating cultural, social, creative and aesthetic aspects.Teaching includes both general and vocationally oriented topics. At the moment, a number of these schools are in crisis due to decreasing participant numbers..."

Sir,  in my country there once used to be a program on the similar lines but I have never heard of it in my life time. I think that such institutions can be of help in transforming a society by really engaging all the tiers of the population pyramid. In our country there even used to be a TV program (a comedy) that featured such an institute but the concept is long gone. I think that a revival is necessary.

Dear Tomasz,

I have read with pleasure some posts about folk high school because my knowledge on this subject is rather poor. At a first glance I associated this form of education with universities of the third age which are very popular in my country. I think that some rules are similar in both forms of lifelong learning. I think that mentioned  universities of the third age will expand in the future. I agree with Andras that future of folk schools is direct connected with financial possibility of establishments that are responsible for them.

Hi Tomasz

Just came back from Helsinki and the NERA conference. Everything went well with the symposia and I think we all learned a lot about similarities and differences between the Nordic folkhighschools.

I don't know much about folkhighschools in other countries but perhaps I can add a thought to the question of survival for these institutions. I agree that it is a question about resources. But Id like to add that it is also a matter of securing resources by being visible in the public arenas.

In the nordic countries the institutions are well established since about 150 years. In Sweden, the folkhighschools have survived several attacks from others interest-groups and always found new means to survive. Earlier they have had a significant political impact and thus in some ways they were able to secure fundings. I think this still holds true today. The schools still have the ability to mobilize and project political power in the parlament, thus making sure that funding is not cut too short. In Denmark and Noway I think the schools have a special status and are not considered an object for downsizing at present. In Finland it seems the situation for the schools is tougher than in Sweden.

These schools are "alternative" (to regular schools) by their identity. If people in society talks about their full set of needs as human beings (cultural expressions, arts, music, theater, local folklore) it is easy to argue for these schools. However if the talk among people is reduced to a need for a certain skill set to find a new job, then these schools will have a hard time surviving in the future. From my perspective they play an important role in society and i think that they must participate in shaping the political climate and discussions about what is important in life. 

Answer: The schools have a chance to survive in the future. The best way to survive is to participate in the political discussion about how society should be shaped, what lives people should live and what should be valued as important in society. If they don't someone else will define the political direction for them and they will probably not like the result.