Search Results

This paper presents a pilot comparative research project on pre-vocational education in lower secondary schools ([International Standard Classification of Education] ISCED level 2) within regions in three European countries. The primary aim of the study was to better understand how the pre-vocational education curriculum is constructed and taught within schools. A case study methodology was selected given the de-centralised nature of curriculum-making within each of the units of analysis. The data collection period covers the years 2009-2011 and the regions taking part were from Germany, Poland, and Scotland. The research method is based upon both the collection of secondary data, through the analysis of curriculum documents within regions in each country, and the use of primary data sources, through interviewing school teachers. The research builds upon previous studies in curriculum-making, in particular a theoretical framework that explores the differences between the ‘prescribed and enacted curriculum’. Finally, this study will argue that, although it is possible to identify quite a distinct pre-vocational curriculum within each region that, in practice, the subject is rarely taught (enacted) according to this prescribed curriculum.

Published abstract reprinted by permission of the copyright owner. Show less

Context: The growing attention to informal learning in the world of work raises new questions and tasks for vocational education and training (VET) research. Our research focuses on observation-based cooperative learning emerging among VET students, and also among VET students and adults who they observe at work in the family, on TV, and on the Internet. Approach: Our focus group is students, preparing for achieving a vocational qualification at [International Standard Classification of Education] ISCED level 3 in VET schools in some practice-intensive occupations, without direct access to higher education. In a Hungarian-Polish questionnaire survey filled by 131 Hungarian and 110 Polish VET students, we explore the extent of informal learning related to observation and cooperation in the life of the searched students.

Findings: Research shows that the different ways of observing others at work play an important role in the process of learning a profession. The findings also highlighted the importance of friendships and trust among students in this age group, and the strong demand for joint practice. Conclusion: Friendship and the level of trust among students can influence their decisions during training. The results so far suggest that there is greater scope for group work which is favoured by students and so learning from each other in school workshops, than in company settings. The results confirm the intentions of the survey, but further research on a larger sample is needed to draw broader conclusions.

Published abstract. Show less

The article takes a multi-pronged approach to study the main challenges in vocational education and training (VET) faced by Hungary and Poland in the transformation of their economies in 1989. The development of VET is examined in light of different development paths, ongoing criticism, declining prestige, dual training, governance, and VET research. We review the lessons learned from the changes experienced in the two countries as a result of the [Coronavirus Disease 2019] COVID-19 epidemic and examine the prospects for the current situation regarding VET in light of the recent Cedefop VET scenarios.

Published abstract.

The volume from which this paper is taken is available in VOCEDplus at TD/TNC 153.651. Show less