OECD thematic review on adult learning: Finland: background report

The OECD thematic review of adult learning was undertaken between December 1999 and November 2001 to analyse policy options in different national contexts for improving access to, and participation in, adult learning and to enhance its quality and effectiveness. OECD countries taking part in the review prepared a descriptive background report on the adult learning practices in their own countries. These reports were used to provide an OECD expert review team with the information required to conduct an effective direct analysis. This document represents the background report for Finland. The report begins with a summary of the main findings of the report in the following areas: participation in adult education and training; forms of adult education in Finland; history of adult education; educational institutions; and goals in adult learning. The remainder of the report contains the following chapters: Introduction; Finland and the education system of Finland; Adult education in Finland; Participation in education and training; Educational experiences; A historical overview of adult education; Forms of adult education; Financing of adult education; Major players in adult education; Present discourse and recent goal setting in adult education and training policies; Conclusions and future outlook. The report concludes that one of the major tasks of adult learning programs in the near future will be to produce enough competent and skilled labour to meet the needs of the expanding service and information sectors. Information society skills will become a basic requirement of all citizens.

The background country reports available in English are indexed from TD/TNC 73.64 to TD/TNC 73.69 and at TD/TNC 62.795. Available analytical country notes, prepared by the OECD multinational review team and based on the background reports and discussions with national stakeholders, are indexed from TD/TNC 73.70 to TD/TNC 73.75. The final comparative report is indexed at TD/TNC 73.63. Show less