The Structure of Domain-Specific Competence in the Occupation of Technicians at Vocational Schools in Germany

Abstract

AbstractThe present study focusses on the structure of domain-specific competence in the occupation of technicians at vocational schools in Germany. Up to now, in this occupation no such study has been available. Hypotheses: Is the domain-specific competence in the occupation of technicians at vocational schools a multidimensional construct? Sample: According to studies from other occupations we have developed instruments for two dimensions (content-knowledge and problem-solving) of domain-specific competence. The study was conducted by six colleges of the European qualification framework 6 both in a longitudinal control-experimental-group-design (n = 243) and as regular lessons via the digital learning platform Moodle. The data analysis will be made by structural-equation-modeling with the Mplus software. Results: Content knowledge and problem-solving competence are multidimensional. The highest loads related to problem-solving competence are obtained in the multidimensional content knowledge as outlined in the PPIK theory.KeywordsVocational schools in GermanyDomain-specific competenceContent-knowledgeProblem-solvingStructural-equation-modelingPPIK-theory