Vocational Education Research Articles

Navigating AI Integration in Career and Technical Education: Diffusion Challenges, Opportunities, and Decisions

This review paper explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in career and technical education (CTE). CTE is an educational domain often overlooked in discussions about teaching and learning and notably omitted in the extant literature about AI’s application in educational settings. Although much of the existing literature focuses on AI in K-12 and higher education, CTE faces distinct challenges and opportunities in both education and the application of AI because CTE programming is more hands-on and industry-connected. This paper, grounded in Diffusion of Innovations theory, examines AI tool adoption processes among CTE educators by analyzing both barriers and opportunities. Key findings suggest that while AI offers significant benefits, its adoption is hindered by systemic factors. This paper contributes to the literature by highlighting the importance of contextualizing AI adoption within the distinct pedagogical practices and industry partnerships of CTE. It emphasizes the need for targeted strategies that address CTE-specific challenges, including robust infrastructure, equitable resource distribution, and fostering a culture of innovation among educators. The implications of this work underscore AI’s potential to bridge the gap between education and workforce demands, positioning CTE programs as critical sites for preparing students for the next phase of workforce under Industry 5.0.

Constructing the BOPPPS Teaching Model in the Context of Wisdom Education: A Case Study of the Vocational Course 'Information Technology'

With the continuous development of wisdom education, vocational education urgently needs to adapt to novel educational concepts and teaching models. The BOPPPS teaching model, as an effective instructional design framework, provides systematic guidance for course implementation. This paper explores the necessity and implementation strategies of constructing the BOPPPS teaching model in the vocational education course "Information Technology." Additionally, it introduces a real-time feedback framework for students to assess teaching effectiveness more reasonably and efficiently, aiming to improve the quality of classroom instruction and enhance students' information technology literacy.

The use of machine and deep learning to model the relationship between discomfort temperature and labor productivity loss among petrochemical workers

BackgroundWorkplace may not only increase the risk of heat-related illnesses and injuries but also compromise work efficiency, particularly in a warming climate. This study aimed to utilize machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) algorithms to quantify the impact of temperature discomfort on productivity loss among petrochemical workers and to identify key influencing factors.MethodsA cross-sectional face-to-face questionnaire survey was conducted among petrochemical workers between May and September 2023 in Fujian Province, China. Initial feature selection was performed using Lasso regression. The dataset was divided into training (70%), validation (20%), and testing (10%) sets. Six predictive models were evaluated: support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), Gaussian Naive Bayes (GNB), multilayer perceptron (MLP), and logistic regression (LR). The most effective model was further analyzed with SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP).ResultsAmong the 2393 workers surveyed, 58.4% (1,747) reported productivity loss when working in high temperatures. Lasso regression identified twenty-seven predictive factors such as educational level and smoking. All six models displayed strong prediction accuracy (SVM = 0.775, RF = 0.760, XGBoost = 0.727, GNB = 0.863, MLP = 0.738, LR = 0.680). GNB model showed the best performance, with a cutoff of 0.869, accuracy of 0.863, precision of 0.897, sensitivity of 0.918, specificity of 0.715, and an F1-score of 0.642, indicating its efficacy as a predictive tool. SHAP analysis showed that occupational health training (SHAP value: -3.56), protective measures (-2.61), and less physically demanding jobs (-1.75) were negatively associated with heat-attributed productivity loss, whereas lack of air conditioning (1.92), noise (2.64), vibration (1.15), and dust (0.95) increased the risk of heat-induced productivity loss.ConclusionsTemperature discomfort significantly undermined labor productivity in the petrochemical sector, and this impact may worsen in a warming climate if adaptation and prevention measures are insufficient. To effectively reduce heat-related productivity loss, there is a need to strengthen occupational health training and implement strict controls for occupational hazards, minimizing the potential combined effects of heat with other exposures.

Promoting Decent Work and Equal Pay in the Informal Agricultural Sector: A Gender Perspective

Agriculture, the oldest human activity, is the livelihood for millions, especially in developing countries where it drives economic growth and poverty reduction. However, the informal agricultural sector lacks poor working conditions, low wages, lack of legal protection, and significant gender-based discrimination. Women often face unequal access to resources, training, and fair wages, perpetuating a cycle of poverty. This review paper examines decent work and equal pay in the informal agricultural sector, focusing on gender disparities, and offers recommendations to promote gender equality, empowerment, and sustainable development through targeted interventions and policy improvements. The study used the PRISMA model for a systematic literature review. The study highlighted the five dimensions of decent work identified by the ILO, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding and addressing challenges in achieving decent work. The review also identified several factors influencing decent work and equal pay, including government policies, market dynamics, social norms, power dynamics, and social security programs. The review further discussed the gender dimension of decent work and equal pay, highlighting the gender wage gap and the challenges faced by women in accessing decent work and fair compensation in the sector. Innovative approaches to promoting decent work and equal pay were also discussed, including social protection programs, collective bargaining, microfinance initiatives, vocational training, and digital tools.

Postdocs should receive relocation benefits from the universities that hire them.

Postdocs are essential to microbial science and STEM academic workforces but are underpaid and receive little-to-no relocation benefits. PhDs foregoing postdoctoral training for lucrative industry and government jobs exit the academic pipeline, which imperils current scholarship and the future professoriate. Relocation to postdoc jobs is expensive, especially for recent graduates and international scholars, but academia rarely provides support. Solving this short-term liquidity pressure can increase productivity, job satisfaction, and the likelihood they remain in academia.

Accounting Information Systems’ Effectiveness at Village Credit Institutions (LPDs) in Denpasar City and the Influencing Factors

Companies have been forced to adopt computer-based information systems due to the quick development of information technology. These systems expedite and simplify the management's access to data. The purpose of this study is to investigate how the efficiency of Accounting Information Systems (AIS) at Village Credit Institutions (LPDs) in Denpasar City is impacted by factors such as job experience, educational attainment, training, incentives, and task complexity. The population of the study includes 34 LPDs, with a sample of 136 respondents selected through purposive sampling. Multiple linear regression analysis was involved in the data analysis. The findings indicate that while task complexity has a negative influence on AIS' efficacy, job experience and training have a beneficial impact. However, education level and incentives do not significantly influence the system's effectiveness. These findings suggest that LPD managers should prioritize enhancing work experience and training to improve the effectiveness of their AIS

Modern approach to computer modeling of functional 3d objects in the professional training of future engineers and vocational education teachers

This article examines the features of computer modeling of functional 3D objects using the SolidWorks software suite, which is an integral component in the training of future engineers and vocational education teachers. The SolidWorks software suite provides tools not only for creating three-dimensional models but also for analyzing the mechanical properties of parts and visualizing the technical condition of objects. This enables future engineers and vocational education teachers to better understand the principles of designing and analyzing complex part structures. A step-by-step algorithm for computer modeling has been developed, from creating a basic sketch to completing a three-dimensional model of a functional object. It has been established that the computer modeling process allows for the selection of appropriate tools and commands for creating geometric transformations of objects and setting parameters. This ensures high accuracy in constructing a computer model according to its geometric parameters. It has been established that the modern approach to computer modeling in the educational process demonstrates the implementation of innovative technological solutions to improve the quality of training in higher education institutions. It has been determined that the proposed approach will not only help future engineers and vocational education teachers develop practical skills but also contribute to a deeper understanding of engineering concepts.

Effect of Contraventions of Building Regulations and Informal Land Subdivision on the Quality of Built Environment in Enugu State, Nigeria

The study examined the effect of contraventions of building regulations and informal land subdivision on the quality of built environment in Enugu State. The study adopted survey design and was carried out in Enugu State, Nigeria. The population for the study was 88 respondents which comprised 36 building technology lecturers and 52 building technology lab technologists from the Department of Building Technology in Enugu State University of Technology and the Department of Industrial Technical Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka respectively. Due to the manageable size of the population, no sampling was done as the entire population was used as the sample of the study. The instrument for data collection was a 37-item structured questionnaire which was validated by 3 experts. A total of 88 copies of the instrument were administered to the respondents by the researchers with the help of 2 research assistants. The instrument was analyzed using weighted mean and standard deviation while the hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance, using t-test statistics. The study found that contraventions of building regulations and informal land subdivisions in Enugu State have greatly affected the built environment negatively. The study recommends that the local authorities in Enugu State should create awareness campaigns on community planning which will be strengthened during plan implementations by capacitating the local leaders in order to reserve and maintain spaces for construction projects and agriculture based livelihood activities.

Quick Analysis of The Applied Teaching Factory in The Independent Learning Curriculum Towards the Readliness of Enterpreneurship

The intense competition in the food and beverage sector has led to increased consumptive behavior, which supports the economy. This presents a promising business opportunity for graduates of SMK Tata Culinary through Teaching Factory (TEFA) learning. This study aims to analyze the factors supporting and hindering TEFA's implementation, test its effectiveness, and describe the work readiness of students in Culinary Vocational High Schools in East Java. Using a mixed-method approach, the study sampled 6 schools from Surabaya, Sidoarjo, Ngawi, Lumajang, Tulungagung, and Magetan, with 50 culinary students from each school. Data collection included interviews, observations, and questionnaires, focusing on preparing students for entrepreneurship. Data were analyzed using one-factor ANOVA with SPSS 22. The results showed that student involvement in TEFA activities provided contextual experiences, enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In conclusion, TEFA's application in Vocational High Schools under the Independent Curriculum fosters creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship, offering significant benefits for startups, business innovation, and job creation.

Is standard employment contract good for all? The gendered institutional logic of employment in South Korea

In coordinated market economies, nonstandard forms of employment are more common among women than among men. However, the existing scholarly literature devoted little attention to the examination of gendered employment patterns by skill level in newly emerged coordinated economies. This article employs a gender-based approach within the Varieties of Capitalism framework to analyse the effects of gender segmentation across diverse occupational skill levels in South Korea. The findings, derived from workers’ surveys and workplace interviews, indicate that the features of gender segmentation in employment outcomes vary according to skill level. Although the feminist critique on dualisation scenarios is supported, it is evident that the strict employment protection afforded by standard employment contracts does not benefit women uniformly. This discrepancy arises from employers' gendered logic, which is embedded in the country-specific gendered institutional structure of the production regime. The South Korean experience problematises the skill-based approach to dualisation scenarios, underscoring notable divergences from the evidence observed in mature coordinated market economies.

ПСИХОЛОГІЧНІ ЗАСАДИ РОЗВИТКУ ТВОРЧИХ ЗДІБНОСТЕЙ ПСИХОЛОГІВ ЗАКЛАДІВ ПРОФЕСІЙНОЇ (ПРОФЕСІЙНО-ТЕХНІЧНОЇ) ОСВІТИ У ПРОЦЕСІ ПРОФЕСІЙНОЇ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ

The purpose of the article. The purpose of the article consists in the analysis and theoretical substantiation of the psychological foundations that determine the development of creative abilities, experimental verification and improvement of the strategy for the development of creative abilities of psychologists of professional education institutions in the context of their professional activities. Methodology. The methods used in the research: questionnaires, an experiment; standardized psychometric tests: the test for assessing the intelligence of H. Aisenk; the modified Torrance test (ATTA) for the assessment of creative thinking; the method of diagnosing empathic abilities (V. Boiko); the modified test-questionnaire for measuring achievement motivation by A. Mehrabian. Results. 54 practical psychologists of professional education institutions of the Dnipropetrovsk region took part in the experimental study of the development of creative abilities. Implementation of the Strategy’s measures contributed to positive changes in the development of creativity of psychologists, which was reflected in the general trend towards the growth of all indicators of creative abilities that were evaluated: average indicators according to the ATTA methodology (speed, flexibility, originality, development, accuracy of thinking); empathic abilities; a change in the share of respondents from the dominant motives of the desire to avoid failure to the desire to achieve success. Practical implications. Implementation of the Strategy’s measures contributed to positive changes in the development of creativity of psychologists, which was reflected in the general trend towards the growth of all indicators of creative abilities that were evaluated: average indicators according to the ATTA methodology (speed, flexibility, originality, development, accuracy of thinking); empathic abilities; a change in the share of respondents from the dominant motives of the desire to avoid failure to the desire to achieve success. Value (originality). The value of the research lies in the theoretical substantiation and practical approbation in institutions of professional education of the Dnipropetrovsk region of the Strategy for the development of professional creativity of psychologists. Key words: creative abilities, creativity, psychologists, institutions of professional (vocational and technical) education.

Evaluating the Pilot Implementation of the DSWD Walang Gutom Program: A Case Study on Its Impact in Addressing Involuntary Hunger in Tondo

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) launched the Walang Gutom (No Hunger) Program to address involuntary hunger among vulnerable populations in the Philippines. This study evaluates the pilot implementation of the program in Tondo, Manila, focusing on its impact on hunger and the lives of beneficiaries. The program com-bines direct financial assistance through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system with social interventions like job training, nutritional workshops, and community engagement. While the program shows promise in addressing hunger and empowering beneficiaries, challenges such as eligibility criteria, limited funding, and digital literacy barriers need to be addressed. The study recommends strategies to enhance the program's effectiveness and sustainability, including strengthening out-reach efforts, improving digital literacy, and expanding the program's reach to more vulnerable communities. Evaluations of effectiveness have yielded favorable results, with notable improvements in food security observed among beneficiaries. The progress in food security for house-hold beneficiaries is encouraging, and focused interventions can further enhance these positive outcomes. Ongoing assessments allow the pro-gram to adjust to the evolving needs of participants, ensuring sustained effectiveness. Beneficiary feedback emphasizes the program’s respon-siveness and the high quality of services, indicating overall success in achieving its goals.

Socioeconomic and sociocultural differences in adolescents’ leisure motivations

This study investigates the leisure motivations of secondary school pupils aged 14–18 in Flanders (Belgium) and examines their relationship with socioeconomic and sociocultural characteristics. Drawing on a diverse sample and employing regression analysis, the findings demonstrate that leisure motivations, assessed using an abridged version of the Leisure Motivation Scale (LMS), are significantly influenced by age, gender, migration background, educational track, and parental employment status. Notably, the educational track emerges as the principal differentiator, with students in technical and vocational education consistently exhibiting lower levels of motivation across all dimensions. The results further suggest that the LMS may not fully capture the leisure motivations of certain adolescent subgroups. These findings underscore the importance of recognising the diversity of leisure motivations in youth and highlight the need for tailored policy interventions that centre adolescents’ aspirations and experiences, thereby fostering equitable access to meaningful leisure opportunities.

PAULO FREIRE IN UNIVERSITY EXTENSION: TRAINING CIRCLES WITH BEGINNING/INCOMING TEACHERS

The extension project Training Circles with Beginning/Entering Teachers has been under development since the beginning of 2018 and aims to strengthen the teaching career by reorienting work and self-assessment, thus supporting public policies to support teachers. It is necessary to highlight the concept of extension defended by extensionists: organic-processual extension (REIS, 1996), that is, an action of a permanent, dialogical nature and exchange of formative experiences. The methodological proposal of the project in question is the promotion of Training Circles, which are based on Paulo Freire's Culture Circles, horizontal, dialogical and liberating formative spaces. Thus, the objective of this work is to discuss Freire's conceptions of Culture Circles and generating themes and to draw a parallel between these definitions and the experiences lived in the Extension Project throughout the first semester of 2021, mainly regarding the approaches to Culture Circles and the choice of themes to be developed. Finally, it is emphasized that the Project, as a historically positioned reality, is always in a process of (re)construction and, thus, the study and reflection about it is a way of revealing challenges and possibilities, as well as of reaffirming the inseparability between teaching, research and extension.

Vocational Education in the Era of Big Data: Course Design and Optimization Strategy Based on Educational Technology

Vocational Education in the Era of Big Data: Course Design and Optimization Strategy Based on Educational Technology

Design and Optimization of the Index System of Ideological and Political Evaluation of Higher Vocational Courses

Design and Optimization of the Index System of Ideological and Political Evaluation of Higher Vocational Courses

CONTRIBUTIONS TO SUSTAINABILITY IN TECHNICAL EDUCATION: REUSE OF CONSTRUCTION WASTE AS A WAY TO REDUCE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

This study investigates the impact of reusing solid waste generated during practical classes in the Technical Course in Civil Construction at CEFET-RJ. The main objective is to analyze how sustainable teaching practices can reduce the environmental impact of the construction sector, while simultaneously training students to face the global sustainability challenges in the sector. The research used quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate the efficiency of reusing materials, such as 'argalama' mortar and PVC pipes, in two different laboratories: Masonry and Plumbing Installations. The results show that these practices, once obstacles are overcome, can reduce material costs and the consumption of natural resources, such as water and energy, without compromising the quality of teaching activities. The conclusions indicate that the integration of sustainable practices in technical education not only contributes to the training of professionals with greater environmental awareness, but also enables the development of solutions with this approach in real construction projects. The study highlights the relevance of technical education as an agent of transformation in the context of sustainability, in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 and 12.

The COOL e-Research and Researcher Development Experiences: A Mentor and Mentee Perspective

As information and communication technologies (ICTs) continue to advance, research projects and processes increasingly adopt ICTs, and terms like ‘e-research’ gain popularity. However, disparities in access to ICTs and users’ technology proficiency affect the adoption of e-research technologies. Despite these constraints, the COVID-19 pandemic forced many researchers (including postgraduate students), in diverse and unequal contexts, to take their research activities online. This paper reports on the ‘e-research’ experiences of the principal investigator, a research mentor and a researcher after the adoption of ICTs during the pandemic. This research took place in the context of the Cases on Open Learning (COOL) research project, commissioned by, and conducted jointly with, the Department of Higher Education (DHET) in South Africa. This was a multi-researcher (10 researchers located across the country, with varying degrees of research experience), multi-site qualitative social science research that took the form of 15 case studies, conducted across seven technical and vocational education and training colleges, six universities, two DHET sites, and a desktop study. The national lockdowns that were announced shortly after our first and only face-to-face project meeting forced us to conduct all aspects of the project entirely online. We used the Google suite for collaboration and Zoom for COOL team building, researcher knowledge and skills development sessions, and online interviews conducted by the researchers. WhatsApp played a dual role – supporting ongoing communication within the research group, and as a data collection tool. The paper highlights our experiences on what it meant to be part of a research team, as well as the opportunities and challenges of conducting research of this nature. It shed light on the COOL team building and researcher development strategies. Drawing on insights from our experiences, we recommend that higher education institutions (HEIs) develop both technical and human-oriented guidelines for conducting e-research. This paper could provide insights for independent researchers, postgraduate students, principal investigators, and supervisors considering a cohort-supervision model, comprising diverse students, who may be in dispersed geographical locations.

Insights and Reflections: ELT Trainee Teachers’ Experiences in Practicum

English language teachers’ practicum as a part of teacher education is one the learning strategies that helps the teachers to be professional. The main objective of the study was to explore the reflections and insights of the practicum for the trainee teachers in their teaching career. This study used a qualitative research design to explore how trainee teachers perceived their practicum, a required component of their degree program, and to learn how to teach. Four trainee teachers, purposefully chosen from four distinct Tribhuvan University campuses, participated in semi-structured interviews for data collection. The interviews were then transcribed, categorized, and analyzed using thematic terms. The study explored that the practicum encouraged the growth of trainee teachers and equipped them for the actual work and they saw it as a crucial instrument for learning to teach. The study also demonstrated that the practicum program was successful in fostering theory-practice connections, competency and confidence building, and socialization. The study also revealed that the trainee teachers' stressful experiences, inadequate resources, assessment-centered experiences, and a lack of support from supervisors and the school and college administration were the challenges to be addressed.

Factors determining the entrepreneurship intention of university students in South Africa

The purpose of this study is to determine the factors influencing the entrepreneurship intention of students at a distance learning institution in South Africa. An online survey was conducted among students registered at a distance learning institution, and the results confirmed that factors affecting entrepreneurship intention are entrepreneurship education and self-efficacy. Self-efficacy has a stronger effect on entrepreneurship intention than entrepreneurship education. Other factors, namely work readiness, career education and entrepreneurship orientation, did not display such a relationship with entrepreneurship intention, which implies that they do not affect students’ entrepreneurship intention. Universities must make it compulsory for students to study entrepreneurship education by making it a focus of their curriculum design. They must find a way to motivate students to take up entrepreneurship as a career.