Vocational Institutions Research Articles

Relationships between utilisation of human resources and academic performance in engineering at Technical and Vocational Institutions in Nakuru County, Kenya

The purpose of this article was to analyse the relationships between the utilisation of human resources and academic performance in engineering at technical and vocational institutions in Nakuru County, Kenya. The problem that the study addressed was the high failure rate of students in engineering. The study used a descriptive survey design utilising closed-ended questionnaires and interview schedules. The sample consisted of 331 students, 11 technicians, and 22 Administrators (11 Heads of Departments, 7 Deputy Principals, and 4 Principals). A proportionate sampling technique was used to obtain student samples per institution. Participants were selected through simple random sampling. The hypothesis was tested and established that there was a positive and statistically significant relationship between utilisation of human resources and academic performance in engineering (p=0.000<p=0.05), concluding that ineffective utilisation of human resources in the TVET institutions contributes to the observed low performance in engineering programs. The study recommended that institutions improve the coordination of practical sessions, enhance student-centred learning approaches, and invest in upgrading physical resources.

Associations of generalized anxiety and social anxiety symptoms with sleep duration, amount of intense exercise, and excessive internet use among adolescents.

Among adolescents, symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD) are not only clinically significant but also continuingly increasing. During adolescence, individuals begin to establish distinct, self-determined lifestyle patterns. This study seeks to identify the associations between such lifestyle factors and the prevalence of GAD and SAD symptoms. The analyzable sample was based on a cross-sectional, nationally representative survey of Finnish 14-18 year old students from comprehensive schools, general upper secondary schools, and vocational institutions. The sample consisted of 60,252 boys and 71,118 girls, with the mean age of 16.05 years (standard deviation 1.06). Symptoms were identified using the GAD-7 (cutpoint of 10), the Mini-SPIN (cutpoint of 6), and the PHQ-2 (cutpoint of 3). Logistic regression models for both GAD and SAD symptoms were stratified by comorbidity group variables. GAD symptoms were closely related to excessive internet use and decreased sleep duration among adolescents, regardless of comorbidity with depression or SAD. SAD symptoms were associated with excessive internet use and a lack of intense exercise, independent of comorbid depression or GAD. The findings underscore the importance of considering lifestyle factors when developing interventions to mitigate GAD and SAD symptoms in adolescents. Interventions and policy recommendations aiming at improving adolescents' health behaviour and mental health should take into account the intertwining of these factors.

Modeling the Integration of Educational Technology in Vocational Colleges: Influencing Factors Among In-Service Teachers

This investigation examined the integration of digital technology by 681 vocational teachers in Guangzhou, focusing on Attitudes Towards Technology, Self-Efficacy in Digital Realms, Digital Literacy, and Technology Utilization. Employing Partial Least Squares Structural EquationModeling, the study revealed how these key factors profoundly influence and enhance digital technology strategies among occupational teachers. It identified attitudes, digital literacy, and technology applications as crucial intermediaries facilitating integration, providing a foundational model for improving educational technology practices in vocational institutions.

Understanding the Importance of Email Etiquette and Addressing Email Communication Challenges Among BTVI Students

Email serves as a communication channel for students in higher educational institutions to interact with teachers on course materials, assignments, and impending tests and seek guidance on personal or academic concerns. The present research examines student-instructor email communication, explicitly identifying the problematic elements in students' emails that hinder effective communication. The study examines a sample of 50 email communications composed and sent by first-year students to their instructors at Bright Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) in Kurdistan. Textual analysis is a valuable method for investigating research inquiries across several disciplines. The study findings demonstrated that informal aspects of student email exchanges include the usage of slang, overuse of capitalization, unconventional spelling, symbols, and emoticons. Lack of adherence to email etiquette norms and grammatical errors. These elements indicate a need for more understanding of formality, professionalism, and the decorum expected in a university atmosphere. Thus, it is advisable to implement pedagogical intervention to develop the necessary abilities for composing and comprehending emails. Providing education and assistance on the protocols and norms of email communication may enhance students' capacity to effectively and professionally interact via email in (BTVI), hence fostering good practices and increasing future employment prospects.

Synergizing Sports Education and Urban Development: A Comprehensive Study of Industry-City-Education Integration in Yunnan’s Higher Vocational Colleges

The study aims to evaluate the concept of sports education and urbanization in Yunnan by focusing more on the vocational institutions. The study directs the evaluation and the level of connection between the sports education of vocational education and its impact over the urban development of the province. To achieve this aim, the qualitative study has been conducted where the topic is studied by identifying some key articles as part of the secondary analysis. The secondary study offers insight into the level of adaption of sports education in the curriculum of Yunnan's vocational institutions and their role in the urban development to identify their linkage with the backup of the concept linked to Industry-city-education integration. The role of the education of sports is evaluated in the context of the role of vocational institutions based on Yunnan to deliver output that can improve social infrastructure. The key findings revealed that there are very few technical or vocational institutions in Yunnan that are offering sports education while many are focused on avoiding this practice and be more focused on the theoretical and course work material, along with this the vocational institutions are also not much into urbanization of Yunnan therefore it offers the confirmation of the literature that sports education integration give rise to the city development by practice of urbanization.The whole study concludes that the role of sports education is surely productive, and Yunnan must adapt it to move more towards urbanization because its current level of urbanization is very low.

Development of Morality and Ethics in Educational Institutions under the Office of the Vocational Education Commission Pathum Thani Province

Background and Aims: Developing a nation to compete with advanced countries requires prioritizing human resource development, with education serving as the foundation of this progress. Quality education establishes a sustainable knowledge base, essential for achieving economic, social, and political growth. This study aims to: (1) evaluate the level of moral and ethical development among staff in vocational institutions governed by the Vocational Education Commission in Pathum Thani Province; (2) compare staff perspectives on moral and ethical growth based on variables such as gender, position, and age; and (3) identify effective strategies to enhance moral and ethical standards within these educational institutions in Pathum Thani Province. Methodology: The sample group for this research included 348 personnel from institutions under the Office of the Vocational Education Commission in Pathum Thani Province during the 2023 academic year, selected via stratified random sampling. Research tools comprised a questionnaire using a 5-point rating scale, which had an Item-Objective Congruence (IOC) value ranging from 0.80 to 1.00, a reliability coefficient of 0.83, and a structured interview. Data analysis utilized statistical methods such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, along with t-tests, F-tests, and pairwise comparisons using Scheffe’s method. Results: The research results indicated that: (1) The overall level of morality and ethics development in educational institutions under the Office of the Vocational Education Commission in Pathum Thani Province was rated high across all dimensions, with consistently high ratings for each specific aspect. (2) Comparative analysis revealed significant differences in morality and ethics development based on gender and position at the 0.05 significance level, but no significant differences were found based on age. (3) Guidelines for enhancing morality and ethics emphasized systematic professional oversight, recognition of outstanding personnel, and structured curricula for moral and ethical growth. The Office of the Vocational Education Commission highlighted merit-based assessments grounded in moral principles, clear standards, and well-defined workloads. Additionally, educational administrators demonstrated effective leadership by modeling rational behavior, prioritizing reason over emotion.

Administration of Vocational Education Bilateral System of Educational Institutions under the Office of the Commission Rayong Province Vocational Education

Background and Aims: The study of bilateral vocational education administration in educational institutions under the Rayong Vocational Education Institute aims to: (1) assess the level of vocational education administration within the bilateral system of vocational institutes in Rayong Province, based on the standards set by the Vocational Education Commission; (2) compare the levels of vocational education administration between different vocational education institutes in Rayong Province; and (3) explore guidelines for promoting or developing the administration of vocational education under the bilateral system within institutions under the Rayong Vocational Education Institute. Methodology: The study involved 201 participants in the sample group. Data collection was carried out using questionnaires with a 5-point rating scale and structured interviews, yielding Item-Objective Congruence (IOC) values between 0.80 and 1.00, and a reliability coefficient of 0.97. Statistical analysis included t-tests, F-tests, as well as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation to effectively interpret the data. Results: (1) The Rayong Vocational Education Institute oversees a bilateral system of educational institutions, and the vocational education administration demonstrates a high level of proficiency in four main areas: curriculum, measurement and evaluation, collaboration between establishments and educational institutions, and graduate quality. (2) Using a t-test, vocational education administration in the bilateral system was analyzed based on categories such as position, educational level, individual items, and overall assessment. An F-test was also conducted to assess differences according to the size of the educational institutions. While administrators and teachers from different positions, educational backgrounds, and institution sizes had varied opinions on vocational education administration, there were no significant overall differences in perception. (3) Comprehensive guidelines for enhancing the administration of vocational education in the bilateral system should focus on four key areas: 1) improving graduate quality, 2) enhancing the curriculum, 3) fostering collaboration between businesses and educational institutions, and 4) refining measurement and evaluation processes.

Digital Literacy Education: A New Approach to Cultivating 21st Century Key Competencies

This study delves into the theoretical foundations, practical explorations, strategic methods, and evaluation improvements of digital literacy education aimed specifically at vocational institutions and their stakeholders. It begins with a detailed analysis of the definitions and connotations of "digital literacy" and "digital literacy education," clarifying their distinctions and importance within the context of vocational training. Through an examination of typical case studies both domestically and internationally, the research identifies the problems and challenges in the implementation of digital literacy education, exploring their underlying causes. Subsequently, the paper proposes principles for curriculum design, content selection, and implementation strategies tailored to the needs of vocational students. It also analyzes the characteristics, application scenarios, and practical effects of various teaching models. Finally, an assessment system for digital literacy education is constructed, alongside targeted improvement strategies and future development trends. This research aims to provide valuable references for educators, policymakers, and practitioners in the field of vocational education, thereby continuously enhancing the effectiveness and relevance of digital literacy education.

Assessing the Impact of Leadership Styles on Organizational Effectiveness in Chinese Vocational Schools

This research examines the impact of leadership styles on the organizational efficacy of vocational institutions in China. The main aim is to evaluate the effects of several leadership dimensions—communication, decision-making, motivation, empowerment, conflict management, relationship building, and ethical behavior—on these schools' overall operation and performance. Utilizing a descriptive-comparative and regression analytic methodology, data was gathered from instructors and students at five vocational schools in Guangdong Province via structured questionnaires. The research examined the opinions of leadership effectiveness among instructors and students, finding notable disparities between the two groups, with teachers consistently providing more favorable leadership evaluations. The regression study further substantiated that leadership styles substantially influence critical aspects of organizational success, including strategy planning, resource management, employee engagement, performance management, and student orientation.

From college to university: A practical exploration of tertiary vocational education at Shenzhen Polytechnic University

The emerging phenomenon of tertiary vocational education is a category of education positioned within vocational education. In China, tertiary vocational education has passed through the stages of "associate degree level" and "permitted establishment". Shenzhen Polytechnic University (SZPU), serving as an exemplary model of tertiary vocational education, plays a pivotal role in providing valuable insights for the transformation and development of other vocational institutions in China. This research aims to collect policy documents from SZPU and, through interviews from multiple stakeholder perspectives, gain an understanding of the perceptions and experiences of those involved in tertiary vocational education. It conducts an in-depth analysis of SZPU's motivations, trajectory, challenges, impacts, and countermeasures in initiating undergraduate vocational programs. On this basis, the study compares the educational practices of other institutions offering tertiary vocational education, synthesizes the pedagogical rationale and developmental directions of this type of education at a theoretical level, and proposes empirical and feasible developmental strategies at a practical level.

Institution and Occupational Motivation of Students in Vocational Institutions in the North Great Plain Region of Hungary in Relation to Socio-Economic Status

Institution and Occupational Motivation of Students in Vocational Institutions in the North Great Plain Region of Hungary in Relation to Socio-Economic Status

Students’ Perceptions Regarding the Role of Technical Education and Vocational Training Institutes in Uplifting their Computer Competency in City, Faisalabad

Technical education is crucial for Pakistan's economic progress, providing earning skills and employment opportunities. However, many people focus on earning degrees instead of focusing on technical education. A study was conducted at two female TEVTA public educational institutes in Faisalabad, focusing on computer appliance courses. The study found that vocational educational institutes improve skills through learning by doing with, while technological gadgets are the second-ranking skill. Basic level courses are the third-ranking skill. Technical and vocational institutes play a significant role in developing students' confidence and changing their lives. The study suggests that high authorities should manage educational resources in these institutes to improve the educational quality. The study highlights the need for higher authorities to address the lack of interest in technical education among head teachers and students.

The Correlational Study between Teachers’ characteristic on Students’ Academic Performance and the Role of Students’ Motivation in Chinese Vocational Institutions

The Correlational Study between Teachers’ characteristic on Students’ Academic Performance and the Role of Students’ Motivation in Chinese Vocational Institutions

Enhancing Global Competitiveness: The Role of English in Construction Vocational Training

The increasing globalization of the construction industry has increased the demand for multilingual professionals capable of succeeding in diverse environments. This research investigates the convenience and effectiveness of teaching English to construction vocational students in Kuwait, namely the Construction Training Institute (CTI), focusing on improving their employability and competitiveness. This study examines the potential benefits of using English as the medium of instruction in CTI, not only in English for special purposes (ESP) classes, but all other technical lectures. This will address the challenges in the vocational institutions and students' challenges in adopting English, including language proficiency barriers and curriculum adjustment. The study highlights the importance of delivering effective instructions while developing students’ technical skills. This study provides practical strategies for improving and enhancing the vocational education system while preparing CTI students for an increasingly interconnected global workforce

Bridging workforce skills gaps in rural America amid ‘the great resignation' by leveraging a triple helix collaboration

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically impacted the job market through a surge in layoffs and the mass resignation of employees leading to the emergence of ‘The Great Resignation’. This study explores the perspectives of employers regarding skills gaps and hiring challenges with a focus on rural communities. A collaboration led by a prominent rural university department of Community and Workforce Development included industry partners, governmental agencies, a partner university, primary and secondary schools (K-12), vocational institutions, Chambers of Commerce, and Small Business Development Centers. Their objective was to examine the gap between employer needs and worker readiness. Leveraging the Triple Helix approach, a grant was awarded to fund a stackable pathway skills development program for high-demand industries in a rural five-county area. This program, the Industry Engaged Workplace Ready Program Model, is a two-phase, rapid-response approach for meeting emergent workforce needs by providing accessible training, education, networking, and mentoring to employable candidates. Findings revealed success in the program with mixed outcomes and room for program revision.

Mentorship Matters: Exploring Experiences With, and Perceptions of, Mentorship in an Undergraduate Sample

Mentorship is crucial for undergraduate students’ success, yet its definition varies widely. Understanding the nuances of mentorship experiences and perceptions is vital for optimizing mentorship programs and promoting student success. This study investigated undergraduate students’ experiences with, and perceptions of, mentorship, examining its relationship with GPA and demographic variables. A sample of 137 undergraduate students from a private Christian university participated in the study. Data were collected through an online questionnaire containing both qualitative and quantitative measures. While no significant overall relationship between mentorship and GPA was found, complex differences emerged across demographic variables. Significant differences were observed between genders in perceptions of professors and overall mentorship scale. Ethnicity was associated with experiences with mentorship and GPA, highlighting potential biases in mentor-mentee selection. Findings underscore the importance of addressing biases in mentorship selection processes and increasing faculty diversity to meet the needs of diverse student populations. Further research should explore mentorship in community colleges and vocational institutions, prioritizing access to mentorship resources for fostering a supportive learning environment.

ESP in Vocational Institutes: A Mixed-Method Study of Students’ ESP Learning Style Preferences

In vocational institutes, English for Specific Purposes (ESP) education should incorporate basic linguistic skills with professional communication abilities. There is a problem with ESP teaching that uses the traditional teaching model of general English, which fails to consider the needs of students. To tackle this problem, the aim of this study is to identify the preferred perceptual ESP learning styles of 254 students in seven Chinese vocational institutes. Data collection and analysis were conducted using a mixed-methods approach that combined both quantitative and qualitative methods. An adapted version of the Perceptual Learning Style Preference Questionnaire (PLSPQ) developed by Joy Reid (1987) was used at the first stage. Subsequently, in response to the questionnaire results, 15 students participated in semi-structured interviews. The results showed that a significant number of students chose minor learning modes rather than major learning modes. According to the data analysis, kinesthetic learning was the most preferred learning style, whereas group learning was the least preferred. The second to fifth places belonged to individual, tactile, visual, and auditory learning styles. The findings of the study have implications for ESP teachers, curriculum designers, and researchers considering students’ preferred learning styles, changes in the learning environment, and materials adaptations.

Research on the Construction of Typical Practical Projects of School-Enterprise Co-operation in Vocational Institutions

Research on the Construction of Typical Practical Projects of School-Enterprise Co-operation in Vocational Institutions

Quality management model of Chinese higher vocational graduates in Yunnan province

China’s graduate quality management system is designed to ensure that students possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and competencies for future success. This system is rooted in China’s ambitious educational reforms aimed at cultivating a highly skilled workforce to drive economic growth and innovation. Effective graduate quality management significantly impacts employment levels, training models, and national policy formulation. This study investigates the quality management approaches of 56 vocational institutions in Yunnan Province using a 5-level questionnaire and a quantitative research methodology. A sample of 556 individuals was selected through stratified random sampling. Exploratory factor analysis identified five primary components of the quality management model: College graduate quality (mean = 4.56, SD = 0.49), teaching quality (mean = 4.39, SD = 0.42), hardware environment (mean = 4.38, SD = 0.44), social support (mean = 4.37, SD = 0.42), and job satisfaction (mean = 4.38, SD = 0.42). College graduate quality and teaching quality were the most influential factors, while hardware environment, social support, and job satisfaction had lesser impacts.

Research on the Construction and Optimization of Financial Regulatory Systems in Vocational Institutions

Research on the Construction and Optimization of Financial Regulatory Systems in Vocational Institutions