''The Force that Keeps you Going'': Enthusiasm in Vocational Education and Training (VET) Teachers' Work.

Autor/Urheber	Wenström, Sanna; Uusiautti, Satu; Määttä, Kaarina
Institution	VETNET European Research Network Vocational Education and Training / European Educational Research Association
Titel	''The Force that Keeps you Going'': Enthusiasm in Vocational Education and Training (VET) Teachers' Work.
Quelle	In: doi:10.13152/IJRVET.5.4.1; urn:nbn:de:gbv:18-10-2916; International Journal for Research in Vocational Education and Training; Vol 5 No 4 (2018); 244-263 ; 2197-8646 ; 2197-8638(2018) PDF als Volltext kostenfreie Datei
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
DOI	10.13152/IJRVET.5.4.1
Schlagwörter	VET; Vocational Education and Training; Teacher; Enthusiasm; Work Engagement; Vocational Education
Abstract	Context: Enthusiasm has been noted to increase productivity and quality at work. In teachers' work, this has a connection to student learning and motivation, as well as teaching quality. In the context of Finnish vocational education and training (VET), research on enthusiasm appears especially topical and relevant because of the ongoing wide reform with emphasis on productivity and efficiency.Approach: In this study, Finnish VET teachers' enthusiasm at work was studied qualitatively. Three research questions were set for this study: (1) How do VET teachers describe their enthusiasm?; (2) What factors strengthen their enthusiasm, according to their descriptions?; and (3) What factors weaken their enthusiasm, according to their descriptions? Altogether, 103 teachers who voluntarily participated in the study completed an online questionnaire on enthusiasm. The data were analyzed through qualitative content analysis. Findings: According to the results, the teachers who participated in the study were very interested in their work. They wanted to share how they experienced enthusiasm in their work. Their enthusiasm manifested as their willingness to develop their skills and expertise. It also showed in their dedication, good job performance, and positive feelings about their work. Student encounters, a positive atmosphere, and work interactions were the main sources of enthusiasm. Lack of resources, changes, cuts in the VET budget, and a lousy work atmosphere weakened enthusiasm.Conclusion: The study found that enthusiasm manifested itself in ways that correspond well with the current VET productivity and efficiency goals. Because enthusiasm was strengthened especially when teachers were working with students, it seems important to ensure a supportive work environment for students also after the VET reform. Positive interactions, collegial support, and working together can help teachers to succeed and to maintain enthusiasm in their everyday work. According to the results of this study, supervisors may play a central role in facilitating teacher enthusiasm.
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