Vocational Education Commons^™

Vocational Education And Training In Finnish Open Prisons: A Multilevel Approach To Young Incarcerated People’S Barriers To Participation, Jaakko Hyytiä, Paula Alanen

Journal of Prison Education Research

Having relevant skills and education are considered the best indicators of reintegration into society after release from prison, but majority of young, incarcerated people have a lower education level and participate less in education compared to the same age population at large. This article focuses on finding solutions for overcoming the barriers to prison education in Finland. We explored those barriers, asking: What are the perceptions and experiences of barriers to education among prisoner-students, educators, and other professionals engaged in vocational prison education in Finland? The research data consists of 29 interviews of vocational education and training (VET) students (11), …

Innovative Education: Comparing The Success Of Stem And Traditional School Models, Timothy W. Kennedy

Education Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

This research study investigates the impacts of four specialized STEM education models—T-STEM (Texas Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), P-TECH (Pathways in Technology), Early College High Schools (ECHS), and New Tech Network schools (NTN) on student performance in Texas high schools. By analyzing aggregate student data collected by the state, this study compares the academic outcomes of students in these STEM-focused schools with those in traditional curriculum schools using ANCOVA (Analysis of Covariance) and Logistic Regression. The findings reveal mixed results: while some specialized STEM models show enhanced performance in STEM and other academic subjects, others do not consistently outperform …

Perspectives Of An Automotive Technician And Automotive Technician Educator: An Autoethnography, Christopher E. Reynolds Sr.

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore automotive technician and automotive technician educator’s obstacles and expectations they faced during their educational and occupational endeavors. Constructivism and social constructivism were used as theoretical frameworks. Autoethnography was the selected qualitative research method. Using an interpretive process, several convergent topics were identified: education encouraging professional interests, professional obstacles, challenging normalcies, training and educating automotive technicians, the drive for professional certification, bridging the gap between industry and education, experience, patience, and exposure.

Several methods are recommended to help future automotive technicians and automotive technician educators overcome obstacles they might face, which include the …

The Impacts Of Authentic Learning On Student Outcomes, Evan Sheppard, Cameron Conner

Dissertations

This dissertation explores the evolving American education system, emphasizing the role of authentic learning in bridging the gap between schooling and employment, especially in the context of the modern post-pandemic student. Authentic learning, characterized by hands-on activities and real-world applications, is posited as a solution to the skilled labor shortage impacting the economy. This study delves into the history and current practices of authentic learning, examining various programs and strategies implemented in educational settings. Utilizing a phenomenological approach, qualitative data was collected through interviews with recent high school graduates to assess the impact of authentic learning on their post-secondary trajectories. …

A Micro-Internship Model For Engaging High School Students: A Pilot Of The Illinois Math Badging Initiative, Dania Ibrahim

Practitioner Toolkits and Resources

No abstract provided.

Safety In P–12 Engineering Courses Within The Southern United States, Tyler S. Love

Journal of Pre-College Engineering Education Research (J-PEER)

Engineering education programs, especially at the P–12 level, pose inherent legal and ethical responsibilities pertaining to safety that cannot be ignored. Cultivating safer practices and habits during the design and hands-on development of engineering solutions starts well before students enter higher education engineering programs. P–12 engineering education programs play a critical role in enhancing safety awareness, developing safer habits, and improving safety culture, which has an influence on the safety practices that students carry with them into higher education programs and the workplace. This study analyzed the safety factors and accident occurrences reported by 305 P–12 engineering educators from the …

Promoting Academic And Social Well-Being For Young Adults With Asd Towards Post-Secondary Education And Employment, Theresa Holcomb, Pam Kasyan-Howe, Kristin Domville

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This program and policy-type capstone addresses the gap in inclusive services for young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in post-secondary education (PSE). It resulted in developing and implementing a Social Engagement program designed to enhance communication skills, self-advocacy, and workplace preparedness—key factors for academic and vocational success. Guided by the Occupational Adaptation Model (OAM) and the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) model, the program used a board game-based format to facilitate interactive learning and the practical application of social skills. Targeting young adults with ASD involved in vocational training, the program emphasized developing professional communication and workplace social interaction. The findings indicate …

A Review Of Secondary Technology Education Teacher Needs In Virginia, M. Kathleen Ferguson

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Theses & Dissertations

Technology education teachers can have varied pre-service training experiences, thus their needs for classroom support may vary greatly. Perkins V requires evidence-based research to justify the use of funding for professional development. This researcher sought to support Virginia’s secondary technology education teachers, professional organizations, and the Virginia Department of Education’s Technology Education Specialist by providing research to determine professional development needs. This three-phase qualitative study used a survey, documents review, and focus groups to triangulate data to provide information about the research questions. The research questions focused on teachers’ educational background, technology program goals, and issues specific to secondary technology …

Perception Of School Governing Bodies About Decentralisation Of School Governance In Eswatini, Swaziland, Ibiwumi Abiodun Alade, Goodness X. Tshabalala

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

The adoption of decentralisation as a reform in the administration of education sector in Eswatini has been a subject of debate due to its attending challenges. This study therefore examined the perception of school governing bodies about decentralisation of school governance in Eswatini, Swaziland. The qualitative case study is embedded in the interpretative paradigm, and it employed the Subsidiarity Theory (ST) as a framework for understanding the decentralization of school governance in Eswatini. Four research questions guided the study while purposive sampling technique was used to select five school principals from the selected schools who had served as principals for …

The Importance Of Handy Craft Professions Accquisition In Islamic Jurisprudence And Their Impact On Individueals Sufficiency, اسامه علي

Al Jinan الجنان

As one of the most important means for securing sustenance, work in Islam is considered both an obligation and a right. This study discusses the views of the Islamic Sharia on training for productive vocations, the seeking of sustenance and the conditions of the individuals involved in vocational training. The study considers a number of variations such as whether the individual is rich or poor, an active employee or an employee with disguised unemployment, though some laws prohibit dual jobs even outside working hours. The researcher has arrived at the conclusion that there are cases in which training for a …

Stakeholder Involvement And Systematic Review Of Elements That Determine A Successful Return To Work For Injured Workers: A Scoping Review, Sundip Kaur Khosa, Wilma Jelley Professor

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: A healthy and sustainable return to work (RTW) for a worker after injury or illness has benefits for the worker, their family, the employer, and society.¹ For this research we used the following definition of RTW success; return to positive and meaningful work in a position or occupation not necessarily including all the aspects of the worker’s pre-injury or pre-illness functions or tasks. Purpose: The question behind this survey-based research was, What elements are perceived as essential, to ensure return to employment of injured or ill workers, by stakeholders with experience in the RTW process? Methods: A 32 …

Am I Underpaid Because I Am An Immigrant? Exploring The Lived Experiences Of The Skilled Temporary Worker Visa Holders In Stem Occupations In The American Workplace, Aynur Charkasova, Ahmed Al-Asfour

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

Whether documented or undocumented, migrant workers have always been in the center of significant debate in the United States. The presence of high-skilled immigrant workers receives constant attention amid immigration policy discussions. In the United States, the demand for temporary workers has doubled since the 1990s, particularly in the wake of the technology boom. Many employers have found temporary worker visa programs useful for hiring foreign talent in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) occupations. While skilled immigration provides benefits for the American workforce, there are concerns about the impact of skilled immigration on native workers and wage inequality.This study …

Digital Intelligence In Egypt’S K-12 Public Schools: Educators’ Perspectives, Mohammed Al Mousa

Theses and Dissertations

Technological integration has been a dominant feature of Egypt’s education recently, especially after the announcement of the Education 2.0 initiative, which aims to transform Egypt's education to digital-based and skill-based learning (UNICEF, n.d.), Ever since, public schools in Egypt started adopting technology into teaching practices through online classes, digital textbooks, e-learning platforms, and digital examinations. This educational transformation requires teachers and students to possess the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values to become effective and responsible users of the transforming digital education system and the digital world in general, which are collectively known as Digital Intelligence (DQ). Despite the substantial role …

Editor's Introduction, Yvonne Hunter

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

Editor's Introduction

A Critical Book Review Of The Work Edited By Alfred, M. V., Robinson, Petra, A., & Roumell, E.A. (Eds.) (2021). Advancing The Global Agenda For Human Rights, Vulnerable Populations, And Environmental Sustainability: Adult Education As Strategic Partner., Sharon V. Gardiner-Taylor

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

ABSTRACT

This critical book review is an overview of the work edited by Alfred, M. V., Robinson, Petra, A., & Roumell, E.A. (Eds.) (2021), Advancing the global agenda for human rights, vulnerable populations, and environmental sustainability: Adult education as strategic partner. This review introduces each author, discusses the content, and concisely evaluates the work. Alfred, Robinson, and Roumell use a global perspective to explore how adult education influences considerations for marginalized persons with low literacy levels. Further, they write that people should focus on learning, not capital gain, but also contend that one does not have to operate at the …

Cte Teacher Recruitment, Training, And Retention Toolkit: A Nationwide Search 2024, Lisa Martino, Sara Shaw

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

This updated toolkit is a collaborative effort of ECMC Foundations research fellows from the University of Central Florida as well as U.S. academic experts with experience in postsecondary and secondary CTE teacher recruitment, training, and retention. The purpose is to create a digital toolkit of practical and proven strategies for the hiring and retention of quality postsecondary CTE teachers. This toolkit contains similar information from seven U.S. states and two U.S. territories regarding their CTE teacher policies and practices including lessons learned and best practices. By comparing similar information in a digital toolkit, CTE leaders and stakeholders have easily accessible …

Ace Mentor Program - Central Coast Chapter, Brayden Samuel Groshart

Construction Management

For my senior project, I established a chapter of the ACE (Architecture, Construction, and Engineering) Mentor Program in San Luis Obispo, California. This program provides high school students with hands-on experience and exposure to careers in the architecture, construction, and engineering industries. The program spanned eight weeks, balancing theoretical knowledge and practical application. The curriculum began with sessions on the fundamentals of architecture, engineering, and construction. In order to expose the students to real world practices, we organized tours of an architecture firm, an engineering firm, and an active construction site. These visits allowed students to engage with professionals, observe …

The Role Of Work-Based Learning In Developing Future Skills And Competencies For The Workforce In The Fourth Industrial Revolution, Dorith Johnson

Dissertations

The study investigated the impact of work-based learning on developing skills and competencies required for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Educators must adapt to what students need to succeed in this era. In this study, seven participants who oversee or have overseen a portion of various work-based learning initiatives engaged in a semi-structured interview process. The interview questions inquired about teacher preparation, practical strategies, programs or models of work-based learning, challenges and limitations, sustainability, and the impacts of different work-based models on employability skill development. The results provide hope that work-based learning can play a crucial role in today’s more technologically …

The Impact Of Soft Skills Training On Guest Satisfaction In The Hospitality Industry, Lawrie Colaco Mr

Masters Projects

The hospitality industry has become immensely fast-paced, and prioritizing guest satisfaction levels has been one of the main objectives. While hard skills such as technical expertise and operational proficiency are important aspects which are required by the hospitality staff, soft skills also play a pretty significant role. Soft skills enable the staff to be adaptive and communicative, it raises their empathy levels and teaches them to control their emotions and perform under stressful working environments. The importance of soft skills in this sector cannot be overemphasized, not only does this help with harbouring a positive attitude among the employees but …

Learning On The Go: Elements Of A Mobile Learning Strategy, Matt Hales

Critical and Creative Thinking Capstones Collection

As a Learning and Development (L&D) professional working within the context of mobile learning, I spend my time addressing the issue of learning on the go. In this paper, I share the concept of a Mobile Learning Strategy canvas, created to assist a more strategic approach to mobile learning by L&D practitioners. I assert that the ongoing evolution of training and development, specifically within the realm of mobile learning, requires specific strategic frameworks to be effective. As work becomes more technical and more complicated, workers benefit more and more from training and development. I explore both strategy as a solitary …