Retention, attainment and progression have become key issues in post-compulsory education in the UK, as the policy agenda of increasing and widening participation has taken hold. Keeping students in the system, enabling them to gain qualifications and thereby progress to higher level courses is a key educational goal. Yet alongside increasing…

This paper outlines research undertaken at a Northern UK university in partnership with a local further education college. The research was underpinned by reference to national policies, government strategies and the findings of others in the field, and involved the collection and analysis of interview and questionnaire data from apprentices and…

Consistency of assessor judgement is a key concern for those charged with accrediting vocationally related learning outcomes. Literature suggests that the consistency of assessor judgements can be affected by the breadth of vocationally related contexts and concomitant learner and assessor experiences. It is important to understand how experts…

This article describes how competence-based learning (CBL) can be organised in vocational education by integrating elements from a holistic instructional design model with recent ideas on assessment. A curriculum based on this model is pre-eminently suitable for an assessment approach emphasising that proof of competence is gathered by having…

Strengthening the transition from school to work is a major educational reform issue on the Chinese Mainland. Starting in 1985, the government began developing a massive secondary vocational education system, which sought to have 50% of all secondary senior level students enrolled in a vocational education programme. In this study, qualitative…

In response to a UK government drive to improve maths teaching in schools, the South West London Maths Enhancement Course (MEC) has been set up through collaboration between three higher education institutions (HEIs) to provide an efficient route for non-maths graduates in employment to upgrade their subject knowledge and give a smooth transition…

A questionnaire was distributed to the heads of graduate recruitment in 900 British firms querying the recipients' views on (1) the main benefits alleged to accrue to students on vocational degrees who complete work experience periods; (2) the value for graduate employability of paid work undertaken during term time and vacations; and (3) the…

Computer-Aided Selection and Evaluation Psychometric Test is a person-centered approach to helping long-term unemployed young people through a series of interventions aimed at awareness, responsibility, and reenforcement. The program integrates process-and-task and participation-and-trust approaches. (SK)

British further education college students (n=182) assessed their own learning styles. Students and tutors found the information useful. Follow-up 1 year later showed that students' self-esteem increased, and they took the initiative in discussing teaching and learning styles. However, some lecturers had difficulty changing teaching styles to…

Comparison of core skills efforts in Germany and Sweden shows that both use vocational training to foster core skills and key competencies, but they try to integrate it with existing structures rather than make radical long-term changes. Employers play a crucial role but need substantial incentives. (SK)

Feedback about their learning experiences was obtained from part-time students at Hong Kong Polytechnic through videotaped focus groups. Video clips were used to develop an orientation program for new adult students and for staff development seminars on working with adult students. (SK)

Questionnaires (n=127) and focus group discussions with students in Britain's Higher National Diploma program elicited different reactions to group work and group assessment. Diverse groups performed more consistently. Some group members resented others who "freeloaded"; group cohesiveness contributed to greater success. (SK)

Through partnerships with a university, employers sponsor employees in work-based learning. Employee-students negotiate learning agreements that customize their studies for maximum work relevance that benefits them and employers. (SK)

A study of 50 entrepreneurs in small businesses (fashion design, entertainment, new media) identified factors that helped them learn and develop their business, especially situated learning, networking, and mentoring. Similar naturalistic approaches are recommended for further and higher education focused on entrepreneurship. (SK)

Needed skills and qualities of retailing employees were ranked by 11 faculty and 12 industry representatives. Industry leaders believed leadership and decision making were most important for future leaders. Faculty ranked interpersonal and cognitive skills higher, and they believed their rankings would match those of industry. (SK)