Vocational Colleges Research Articles

Optimizing Student Management Strategies and Student Engement in Vocational Technical Colleges

This research aimed to assess the efficacy of student management practices and their influence on academic engagement among vocational-technical students in China. The study evaluated crucial aspects such as the admissions procedure, student assistance programs, attendance tracking, and technology to pinpoint obstacles and potential areas for improvement. Data was gathered using quantitative approach to assess their perspectives on management practices and academic involvement. The results indicated that using technology had a beneficial effect on student involvement. However, there were notable areas for improvement, such as student support services, attendance tracking, and the admissions process. The student support services were deemed unsatisfactory, with restricted availability and inadequate influence on academic achievements. The attendance tracking system was operational, but it did not impact student participation. On the other hand, the admissions procedure was equitable, but it lacked individualized assistance for students. Furthermore, the research revealed that students had modest intrinsic motivation, self-regulated learning, and goal-setting. Nevertheless, the level of academic aid provided needed to be improved, and the potential for collaborative learning was not fully realized due to participation difficulties. The study revealed that the mental health care provided was insufficient, and the inflexible academic schedule hindered students’ capacity to engage in interdisciplinary studies or modify their course loads based on individual circumstances. In addition, students expressed a lack of participation in decision-making procedures, which led to feelings of disconnection.

Research on Big Data Platform Deployment and Maintenance Course Practical Teaching based on "Job-Curriculum-Competition-Certification + Ideological and Political Integration"

With the rapid development of the big data industry, the demand for big data technical talents has increased sharply. The big data technology major in higher vocational colleges aims to cultivate high-quality skilled talents with capabilities in data collection, processing, operation and maintenance, and technical services. The major integrates the core skills of big data implementation and operation and maintenance positions into professional courses and conducts teaching practice based on the "Job-Curriculum-Competition- Certification + Ideological and Political Integration" model. By constructing an education system that integrates knowledge imparting, ability cultivation, and value shaping, ideological and political education is integrated into course teaching, achieving an organic combination of professional teaching and ideological and political education content. At the same time, a blended teaching mode is adopted, focusing on the comprehensive cultivation of students' knowledge, abilities, and qualities, using competitions to promote learning and training, and improving the quality of talent cultivation.

Relationships between Faculty Concerns Teaching Methods in Online Education and Technology Use in Teaching

This study underscores the critical need to address faculty concerns and provide adequate support to enhance the effectiveness of online teaching. Conducted with 300 teachers from Jiangsu Vocational College and Information in China, the research explored correlations between faculty concerns, teaching methods, and technology use. The following are the findings: Faculty concerns and Technology Use: The study identified a significant correlation between faculty teaching methods, their use of technology, and their stages of concern about online teaching. Understanding the concerns helps identify barriers to effective online teaching. This relationship underscores the importance of supporting faculty in their use of technology and teaching strategies to improve online education Student Behavior Issues: Faculty expressed concerns about student engagement, participation, and adherence to rules in online learning environment highlighting the need for strategies to address these issues. Technology Utilization. The most frequently used technology used by teachers, was the web for sharing digital files, suggesting that teachers are creating a conducive online environment for their students. Teachers who ensure a positive online learning environment through effective use of technology and adaptable teaching methods significantly enhance the quality of online education . Addressing faculty concerns and fostering supportive teaching practices are essential to maximize the potential online learning platform

Students’ Performance and Perceptions of Authentic E-Learning Activities in English Intercultural Learning

The study aims to investigate the influence of implementing nine real e-learning components in an online English intercultural course on improving the performance of vocational college students in China. There were 92 students involved in the course spanning thirteen weeks that comprised various task elements of group discussions, information gathering, online communication, and group reflection on the Chaoxing platform. Data were collected through performance data logging, questionnaires on the perception of authentic learning, and interviews. Qualitative and quantitative data results show that the students have improved their performance, with positive feedback on the life-relevant effect of learning activities. This research provides a humanistic perspective for online intercultural English education as it focuses on the fact that the integration of real-life activities during the English intercultural course is necessary for students' performance improvement

Research and Practice of Ideological and Political Reform of Comprehensive English Course in Higher Vocational Colleges from the Perspective of Integration of Competition and Courses

Research and Practice of Ideological and Political Reform of Comprehensive English Course in Higher Vocational Colleges from the Perspective of Integration of Competition and Courses

An Empirical Study on the Learning Outcomes of Vocational Students in A Smart Classroom

Background and Aim: Smart Classrooms, as a form of rich-media learning environments, were increasingly being implemented and utilized. This study aimed to investigate the impact of Smart Classrooms on learning outcomes by examining 133 first-year vocational students from a vocational college in Yunnan Province, China. The research focused on an applied writing course and compared Cognitive, Behavioral, and Affective learning outcomes between the SEEWO Smart Classroom and traditional classrooms. Materials and Methods: In this study, 133 current vocational students participated. The participants were divided into two groups: a control group and a treatment group. The control group was taught in a traditional classroom while the treatment group was taught in a Seewo Smart Classroom. After a 10-week applied writing course, the course was evaluated using the course evaluation scale that had been used in the college for many years. This evaluation explored cognitive learning outcomes, behavioral learning outcomes, and affective learning outcomes in terms of final grades, classroom behavioral performance, and student course scoring. Results: Students in Smart Classrooms showed significant improvement in final exam scores, enhancing Cognitive learning outcomes. Behavioral outcomes, including participation and attendance, also increased. Student feedback favored Smart Classrooms over traditional settings, with no significant impacts from gender, age, or admission methods observed. Conclusion: Smart Classrooms notably enhanced Cognitive and Behavioral learning outcomes, indicating improved student performance and engagement. Positive student feedback underscores their potential to enhance educational experiences and outcomes compared to traditional classrooms.

Positive Influences of Integrating Information Communication Technology in Teaching English at a Technical and Vocational Training College

The paper investigated the positive influence of integrating Information Communication Technology (ICT) in teaching English to National Certificate NC (V) students at a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college. A qualitative research approach was used in this research to explore and determine ways in which ICT can be used in teaching English. The research’s participants were fifteen NC (V) lecturers offering English. Semi-structured interviews and focus group interviews were conducted with Heads of Departments (HODs), Senior Education Specialists (SES), Education Specialists (ES), and NC(V) English lecturers. This paper found that there are barriers when it comes to integrating ICT in teaching English, and these were teacher-level barriers, student-level barriers, and school-level barriers. It is hoped that this research will contribute towards strategic ways that will ensure that ICT is integrated in teaching English at Nkangala TVET College, as this will improve students’ class attendance and enhance teaching and learning.

Digital Competency Development Among merchant Vocational Education Lecturers: An Analysis of Personal and Institutional Factors Influencing Teaching Effectiveness in Indonesian Higher Education

This study examines digital competencies among lecturers in Indonesian Maritime Vocational Colleges, aiming to analyze the relationship between lecturer profiles, institutional factors, and digital competency development. The research objectives focus on understanding how personal characteristics and institutional support mechanisms influence digital teaching capabilities while identifying effective strategies for enhancing digital competencies in maritime vocational education. Through a quantitative approach utilizing a comprehensive survey of lecturers across maritime institutions, the study employs DigCompEdu-based measurement tools to assess ten crucial dimensions of digital competency. The methodology combines questionnaires and structured interviews, analyzing data through confirmatory factor analysis and linear regression. Results reveal that while overall digital competency scores are above average on a Likert scale, significant variations exist across different competency domains. Digital tool usage demonstrates the strongest positive correlation with competency development, followed by attitudes toward technology. The study identifies age as negatively correlated with digital competency, while workload shows an unexpected positive relationship. Institutional factors, including curriculum support and professional development opportunities, significantly influence digital competency development. These findings contribute to understanding digital competency development in vocational education settings and provide practical insights for enhancing digital integration in maritime education institutions.

Understanding Digital Technology Integration in Merchant Marine College: Examining Teacher Digital Competency through TAM Framework

This study examines the relationship between teacher digital competency and technology adoption in maritime vocational education institutions. The research aims to investigate how digital competency influences perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, behavioral intention, and actual technology use among maritime educators. Using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) framework, the study explores the interconnected relationships between these variables in a specialized educational context. Data collection involved an online survey of lecturers and instructors from maritime vocational colleges under the Ministry of Transportation. The study employed structural equation modeling (SEM) using AMOS software for analysis, providing a comprehensive examination of the relationships between variables. Results reveal significant positive relationships between teacher digital competency and technology adoption factors. The findings demonstrate that digital competency strongly influences both perceived usefulness and ease of use of technology, which in turn affects behavioral intention and actual technology implementation. The research contributes to understanding technology adoption in maritime vocational education and provides practical implications for institutions developing digital competency programs. The study suggests that successful technology integration depends on both technical competency development and positive perceptions of technology's utility, supported by adequate institutional infrastructure.

Development of Learning Activities Using Layered Teaching Methods and Taekwondo Abilities of First-year Students at Luzhou Vocational and Technical College

Background and Aims: Taekwondo is a martial art that originated on the Korean Peninsula and has since spread across the country as a movement that emphasizes moral development and physical fitness. The "Healthy China 2030 Planning Outline" intends to support youth sports, guaranteeing young people's daily physical activity and competency in a variety of sports. Thus, this paper aims (1) To develop learning activities and the layered teaching method for the Taekwondo course. (2) To compare Taekwondo abilities using a layered teaching method between the pre-test and the post-test. And (3) To study the students’ satisfaction with the layered teaching method for the Taekwondo course. The sample group is 45 first-year students at Luzhou Vocational and Technical College. Methodology: The population is 3 classrooms of students, totaling 180 students with similar knowledge and abilities, and the first-year students at Luzhou Vocational and Technical College in the first semester of the academic year 2023. The sample group is 45 first-year students at Luzhou Vocational and Technical College, in the first semester of the academic year 2023, obtained from the cluster sampling technique. Results: The results of the study were as follows;1) The development of layered teaching methods for the Taekwondo course has an average suitability value for all plans equal to 4.23, which is at a high level. (2) Students who studied using the layered teaching method for the Taekwondo course had higher Taekwondo abilities post-test than pre-test at a statistical significance of.05, and (3) Students who learned using the layered teaching method for the Taekwondo course had overall satisfaction at a very high level. Conclusion: The Taekwondo course's layered teaching approach proved to be very effective, greatly enhancing students' post-test performance and resulting in extremely high levels of overall student satisfaction. This technique successfully raises student engagement in Taekwondo as well as skill acquisition.

Adaptation of the Keirsey Temperament Sorter II (KTS-II) for the Chinese vocational university students majoring in preschool education

ABSTRACT The preschool education major in vocational universities serves as the core platform for cultivating students who are preparing to become applied early childhood teachers in China, but currently its education is too unified and ignores the differences among students. In addition, there is a lack of a measurement instrument to understand student differences. The purpose of this study is to adapt the English version of the Keirsey Temperament Sorter II (KTS-II) into the Chinese version in order to measure and understand the temperament types of Chinese vocational university students majoring in preschool education, so as to make it possible to conduct differentiated education based on student temperament differences. The adaptation procedure consists of three phases: (1) the scale translation phase; (2) the scale evaluation phase, including expert evaluation and target population pretesting; and (3) the scale testing phase, including initial testing and retesting. The results show that by removing six items from the original English version of the KTS-II, 64 items in the Chinese version of the KTS-II have been proven to have acceptable validity and reliability. The conclusions suggest that the Chinese version of the KTS-II can be used by relevant stakeholders in the preschool education major of Chinese vocational universities to distinguish student differences, and the scale adaptation procedure and methods in this study can serve as a theoretical reference for scale adaptors.

The Development of Learning Achievement in Military Theory Course Through Integrated Learning Activities of the Sophomore at Guang Zhon Huashang Vocational College

Background and Aims: In the current educational environment, military theory classes have always been regarded as a special learning experience. Guangzhou Huashang Vocational College offers military theory courses for sophomore students, aiming to improve students' military accomplishment and national defense awareness through systematic theoretical study and practical operation. However, there are several issues concerning the setting and implementation of this curriculum that are worth exploring in depth. For example, does military theory have an impact on the academic success of sophomore students? Is the effect positive or negative? How satisfied are students with the course? Based on the concern of these problems, this study takes the sophomore students of Guangzhou Huashang Vocational College as the research object, analyzes the teaching practice of military theory courses, and discusses the influence of military theory courses on academic achievement. The objectives of this research were 1) To compare academic achievement in Development of Learning Military Theory Course subjects before and after the blended learning. 2) Study on students' satisfaction towards integrated learning activities. 3) Study students' interest in interactive games in integrated learning activities. Methodology: The research tools include 1) A blended by traditional learning management plans, a total of 6 plans. 2) Academic achievement with multiple choice test before class - after class total of 30 items.3) A questionnaire on students' satisfaction towards integrated learning activities totals 10 items.4）A questionnaire on students' interest in interactive games in integrated learning activities totals 5 items. Results: The results of the research found that 1) Academic achievement after the blended learning arrangement was higher than before with statistical significance at the.05 level.2) Students were satisfied with the integrated teaching and learning arrangement. at a high level 3) Students' interest in interactive games in integrated learning activities at a high. Conclusion: The study discovered that the use of blended learning greatly increased academic achievement and that students expressed great satisfaction with both the integrated teaching strategy and the interactive games incorporated into the learning activities.

Strategies of Effective Online Teaching and Learning in Vocational Computer Programming Education

Background and Aim: This research analyzes the existing issues with online teaching and learning in vocational computer programming education, devises strategies for online teaching and learning, and then implements and adjusts these strategies to confirm their effectiveness. The expected strategies for effective online teaching and learning proposed in this study include nine aspects: The study focuses on the following nine aspects: 1) the informatization teaching ability of teachers; 2) the autonomous learning ability of students; 3) the interaction between online teaching and learning; 4) the course content; 5) the teaching resource; 6) the teaching design; 7) the learning engagement; 8) school policy support; and 9) the online teaching and learning platform. Methodology: The sample consisted of 21 experts with qualified Delphi requirements from high vocational colleges in Guangxi, as well as 60 computer program students in their second year of study. Research instruments include an open-ended interview and Likert scale questionnaire, as well as data analysis using median, mode, interquartile range, percentage, and descriptive analysis. Results: The research results found that online teaching and learning in vocational computer programming education in aspects were at a medium-high level; after implementing and readjusting the strategies, the effectiveness of online classes was comparable to that of traditional classes. The research results summarized 80 strategies and suggestions for online teaching and learning in vocational computer programming education and put forward a discussion of the future development trend. Conclusion: The study's findings show that, with some strategic modifications, online instruction in vocational computer programming education achieved a medium-high effectiveness that was on par with traditional classroom settings. The study also offered eighty strategies and insights for the advancement of online education in this field in the future.

The Development of Basketball Learning Activities and Basketball Abilities Using Gamification Teaching Model for Advanced Vocational Student

Background and Aims The gamification teaching mode is a teaching method that integrates game elements into the teaching process. It stimulates students' enthusiasm and initiative and improves learning by creating a challenging and interesting play environment. In physical education teaching, the gamification teaching mode has been widely used, especially in improving students' basketball dribbling ability. Vocational students refer to those students who receive vocational education, and their learning goals pay more attention to the cultivation of practical skills and the improvement of application ability. As a common sport, basketball has important practical significance for higher vocational students. However, traditional basketball dribbling teaching is often based on technical training, which lacks enough interest and motivation, which can easily lead to the decline of students' learning interest and learning effect. Thus, the purposes of this study were 1) To develop learning activities for the gamification teaching model for the basketball course. 2)To compare basketball abilities using the gamification teaching model between the test and the post-test. And 3) To study student satisfaction with the gamification teaching model of the basketball course. Materials and Methods: The sample included 50 first-year students from Luzhou Medical Device Vocational College. In the first semester of 2023. Obtained by cluster random sampling technique. Research tools are used in lesson plans, basketball ability tests, and satisfaction questionnaires. In data analysis including percentages, means, standard deviations, and paired t-tests. Results: The results of the study were as follows; 1）The development of a gamification teaching model for the basketball course has an average suitability value for all plans equal to 4.38, which is at a high level. 2Students who studied using gamification teaching model learning activities had higher abilities of basketball post-test than pre-test at a statistical significance of.05 and 3）Students who learned using the gamification teaching model had overall satisfaction at a very high level. Conclusion: The basketball course's gamification teaching approach proved to be a highly appropriate and successful one, greatly enhancing students' post-test performance and generating exceptionally high levels of student satisfaction. According to the study, gamification can improve learning outcomes and increase student engagement in the classroom.

The mediating role of cognitive flexibility in home–school co-education and psychological well-being among Chinese vocational college students

ObjectiveThis study examines the mediating role of cognitive flexibility in the relationship between home-school co-education (H-SCE) and depressive symptom among vocational college students in urban and rural areas of China.MethodsUtilizing the Theory of Overlapping Spheres of Influence, this research explores how H-SCE influences depressive symptom, considering cognitive flexibility as a key mediating factor. The study utilized established scales, including the Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment (IPPA) for parent-child relationships, the Student-Teacher Relationship Scale (STRS), the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory (CFI), and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D10).ResultsA total of 1090 valid questionnaires were analyzed, revealing a significant negative correlation between H-SCE and depressive symptom. Cognitive flexibility was found to partially mediate this relationship, suggesting that enhanced cognitive adaptability, fostered through effective H-SCE, can reduce depressive symptom by helping students better cope with stressors.ConclusionThese findings underscore the importance of fostering strong collaboration between families and schools to enhance cognitive resilience and mitigate psychological challenges faced by vocational students, providing a foundation for targeted interventions to promote mental well-being.

Study on anxiety, depression, and sleep conditions and their interrelations among vocational college students during the COVID-19 pandemic management normalization

ObjectiveThis study investigates the sleep patterns among vocational college students and examines their association with anxiety and depression amidst the ongoing normalization of COVID-19 management strategies.MethodsIn the period of January to February 2022, a comprehensive survey was conducted involving a random sample of 3,300 students. By employing face-to-face interviews, data on general demographics, along with levels of anxiety, depression, and sleep quality, were meticulously gathered and analyzed.ResultsOut of the 3,049 questionnaires deemed valid for analysis, the prevalence rates for anxiety, depression, and insomnia were found to be 9.7, 14.1, and 81.9%, respectively. Through regression analysis, several factors were identified as significant predictors of insomnia: female gender, a self-perceived average or poor family economic status over the last year, moderate psychological stress due to the pandemic and its associated restrictions, extended daily screen time during the pandemic, absence of a routine physical exercise regime, significant disruption or alteration of daily life routines due to the pandemic, presence of anxiety and depression symptoms during the pandemic, and only partial restoration of normal life routines post-pandemic control measures (p < 0.001, p < 0.005, or p < 0.050). A strong correlation was observed among the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia (all p < 0.001). The correlation between stress and depression, depression and insomnia, and anxiety and insomnia were 0.824, 0.714, 0.620, respectively, (all p < 0.001).ConclusionGiven the substantial impact of abrupt or prolonged crisis events, it is imperative to develop and implement specific intervention strategies aimed at safeguarding the psychological well-being of college students.

Pro-Environmental Behaviors and Environmental Value Orientation of Vocational College Students in China

Pro-Environmental Behaviors and Environmental Value Orientation of Vocational College Students in China

The Three Main Logic of the Reform of Catering Major in Higher Vocational Colleges Integrating Curriculum Ideological and Political Education under the Perspective of Industry-University-Research Collaborative Education

In the context of the deepening of vocational education reform and integration of industry and education in the new era, the ideological and political construction of catering courses in higher vocational colleges has become an important path to improve the quality of education and cultivate compound talents. This paper takes the significance of the reform of catering majors in higher vocational colleges that integrates ideological and political courses as the starting point. This paper discusses the problems of the disconnection between ideological and political education and professional education, the lack of a school-enterprise cooperation practice platform, and the urgent need to improve the teaching staff in the current ideological and political course construction. This paper proposes strategies such as strengthening the integration of ideological and political education and professional education, deepening the construction of the practice platform of integration of industry and education, and strengthening teacher training and teaching staff construction, which provides some references for promoting the comprehensive development of catering majors in higher vocational colleges in China.

Implementation of Automatic Attendance System Based on Face Recognition Using CNN Method in IPB University Vocational School Environment

The research focuses on creating an automated attendance system using face recognition through the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) approach at IPB University's Vocational School. The current manual attendance methods show limitations, such as potential inaccuracies in recording and the risk of cheating, like attendance proxies. To overcome these challenges, this study applies the CNN approach with Python and OpenCV, enabling automatic face detection and recognition for students. The system accurately logs attendance by identifying faces in real time. Testing indicates that the system records attendance reliably, whether with a single individual or with multiple faces present within a single frame.

Teachers’ Perspectives on AI-Driven Quillionz for Generating EFL Reading Comprehension Quizzes

Emerging artificial intelligence (AI) has significant impacts on language learning and teaching, providing innovative pedagogies in sustainable educational settings. Among the powerful tools stands Quillionz (https://www.quillionz.com), a free AI-powered platform for building questions, quizzes, and assessments. Nevertheless, there has been little research on teachers’ experiences and perceptions of using Quillionz in EFL classroom settings. This study set out to explore teachers’ perspectives on utilizing Quillionz to generate reading comprehension quizzes for non-English major students through a pre and post-survey design. The research employed both qualitative and quantitative methods with Likert-scale questionnaires distributed to 48 English teachers from a vocational college in Hanoi before and after using Quillionz over four weeks. A paired sample T-Test was conducted to explore shifts in teachers’ perceptions. Subsequently, in-depth interviews were carried out with 10 randomly selected participants for further investigation. The findings revealed positive views among teachers towards Quillionz, its identified potential, and suggestions for more effective implementation. This paper makes a significant contribution to the integration of technology in language teaching, thereby enhancing students’ learning experiences.