New Approaches To Vocational Education In Europe

This book investigates issues surrounding the concept of complex learning-teaching environments. The first part provides an overview of general themes connected to complex learning-teaching environments, and sheds some light on the theoretical background of the concept. The second part demonstrates how the idea of complex learning-teaching environments influences the particular training contexts in different countries.

The volume is devoted to the research of comparative vocational education and training, placing a special emphasis not only on theoretical development, but also on methodological approaches and on achieving excellent research outcomes by strictly concerning comparative studies in vocational education and training. This volume contains scientific contributions by renowned researchers of vocational education from all over the world.

Recoge: 1. What is European about vocational education and training in Europe?

The EUROTECNET program was implemented to develop and improve vocational training policies and systems to meet the challenges of change in the economic and social situation through the development of innovative responses and actions. Each Member State of the European Community was asked to identify one issue of strategic and critical importance to the vocational training system that would benefit from a focused examination and debate at a national and European level. As a result, a series of conferences was launched in all 12 Member States. Each dealt with a different theme of critical importance for vocational training systems that was likely to benefit from innovative solutions. The discussions focused on the following topics: the learning organization and reinforcement of quality assurance; role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); identification of individual competencies; a continuum of lifelong learning; involvement of social partners in the strategy for vocational education; and radical change in companies' in-house training. The following conclusions were reached: training was a part of a comprehensive approach to change; the greatest challenge was unemployment; change was posing new challenges for companies; innovation was needed; a new focus on the individual was crucial; employees should have core competencies; SMEs must invest in training; and the concept of partnership between industry and the vocational education and training systems must be applied more broadly. The biggest challenge was the acquisition of the new competencies for general workers. (YLB)

This report describes the background and links among education, training, labor market, economy, and society. Part 1 deals with the statutory, institutional, and political background to vocational education and training (VET), steering of VET systems, funding, and performance of VET systems and the European context. Part 2 discusses research on the socioeconomic frame of VET; developments and changes to the supply and demand sides; macro- and microeconomic costs and benefits of VET; and research on increasing employment by creating new jobs, and future trends in work and skills. Part 3 analyzes individual education and training decisions and implications for vocational guidance; correlation of structural change with apprenticeship training; transition from VET to the labor market; CVT's objectives and actual situation; and problems of disadvantaged groups in training and work. Part 4 discusses proposals on how to proceed with curricular research, role of key qualifications, new learning formats and venues using new technologies, and nonformal learning. Part 5 focuses on principles, methods, and limitations of comparative VET research; European mobility; and recognition and transparency of skills and qualifications. Part 6 offers general conclusions. Appendixes contain 895 references and include: information on VET research institutions, selected networks for research cooperation, sources for descriptions of VET systems in Europe, European Union programs related to VET, and international statistics and classifications. (YLB)

This six-volume handbook covers the latest practice in technical and vocational education and training (TVET). It presents TVET models from all over the world, reflections on the best and most innovative practice, and dozens of telling case studies. The handbook presents the work of established as well as the most promising young researchers and features unrivalled coverage of developments in research, policy and practice in TVET.

This six-part publication summarizes the main findings and conclusions of the second report on vocational education and training (VET) research in Europe. Part 1, VET Systems, Coordination with the Labor Market, and Steering, covers education and training systems, including regulation, coordination, steering and cooperation, finance, certification, and professionalism. Part 2, Lifelong Learning and Competencies: Challenges and Reforms, contains information on lifelong learning and competence, as well as differentiation in VET pathways and on-the-job training. Part 3, Training and Employment in a Company Perspective, examines the skills needed in a global economy, labor markets, the role of small and medium-sized enterprises in training and employment, entrepreneurship, and skills and training needs. Part 4, Employment, Economic Performance, and Skill Mismatch, focuses on employment in Europe, education, training, and economic performance, dynamics of labor markets, and skill mismatches and future needs. Part 5, Individual Performance, Transition to Working Life and Social Exclusion, provides a context for training and individual performance, the education work relationship, and social exclusion and reintegration through training. Part 6, VET Research Outside the European Union, profiles research in the countries of central and eastern Europe as well as in other nonEuropean Union countries. An annex lists 31 bibliographic contributions to the background of the second research report. (KC).