REFLECTIVE SOCIETY - DEVELOPMENT THROUGH SELF-EVALUATION

The reality of the 21st century is affected by dynamic processes that make the world around us change at a much faster rate than ever before, and the effects of these changes are very profound. These processes influence every sphere of human life beginning with economy to the social and cultural sphere. The number and range of those changes mean that, in order to function in the new reality, societies have to quickly adjust to the current reality and anticipate and create new changes. However, in the everyday rush, we have no time to think and reflect on the reality, as a result of which we often make hasty decisions, accepting what has been given to us. The society, observing the things that are going on in the world and in the nearest environment, asks itself the question: who is in control of the changes? Do we have any impact on what is happening around us? The contemporary technological possibilities and global processes are characterised by an unbelievable driving force and their effects are global. If the possibilities created by the 21st century are used for the benefit of the humanity, we will continue developing, but there is also the risk that some of those processes will turn against us. Where should we look for a recipe or a signpost then? How to use the potential that we have created ourselves for development and the common good? One of the solutions that may help us pursue the right and the safe direction is education, in the broad meaning of the word. For ages, great importance has been ascribed to education, both in economy and in the social sphere. It is believed that an educated society is more capable of coping with the surrounding world and contributes to economic development. Educational institutions are responsible for the education and upbringing of young generations, but non-school and informal education is also gaining importance. However, every educational institution should adjust to the changes in the surrounding world and must not act in separation from reality. In order to meet the contemporary challenges, educational institutions have to analyse on an on-going basis the phenomena that take place in their environment and timely react to them. They have to change and develop to provide top-quality education that is relevant to the expectations of all the stakeholders: students, their parents, future employers as well as the society and the economy.