The authors (Caffarella) liken planning programs for adults to swimming in the ocean. I do not swim but I am aware of the calms as well as the rocky waves of the water at times. Neither is consistent nor predictable. Caffarella suggests that both novice and experienced planners stay the course when the waters get rough. Learning to navigate the stormy periods that may come and take immediate action is wise counsel. "Thinking on their feet and acting in the moment are what usually get planners through these turbulent and unpredictable times" (1).
The Interactive Model of Program Planning (IMPP) created by Caffarella is grounded in two major sources: one, the classic and current descriptions of program planning, approaches and models, and two, practical experiences of program planners(3). The three approaches that support the IMPP are the conventional or traditional approach, the pragmatic or practical approach and radical planning. Briefly, the conventional or traditional approach looks at planning programs in sequential order. The pragmatic or practical approach which realizes that plans may change when faced with unique situations and so takes into consideration "real world constraints" (11). Social activism, democratic principles and transformation have been the focus of radical planning since the eighteenth century.
Practical experience of program planners was also taken into consideration when creating the IMPP. This means scholars who have observed planning situations or who have told stories of planning programs in various scenarios has provided valuable insight to this model.
Planning requires skillful technique, political savvy and ethical responsibility. Recognizing power will be important in developing programs. Planners must pay attention to who the shareholders are as well as to the needs of the learners. They also have to think well beyond their now because programs can change from the initial concept to implementation for any number of reasons.
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