Exploring Students' Experiences of Technical and Vocational Learning in University Technical Colleges during the Pandemic

Autor/inn/en	Deepthi, Divya; Exley, Sonia
Titel	Exploring Students' Experiences of Technical and Vocational Learning in University Technical Colleges during the Pandemic
Quelle	In: British Educational Research Journal, 49 (2023) 3, S.575-592 (18 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Zusatzinformation	ORCID (Deepthi, Divya)
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0141-1926
DOI	10.1002/berj.3857
Schlagwörter	Student Experience; Technical Education; Vocational Education; Secondary Schools; Foreign Countries; STEM Education; Active Learning; Student Projects; COVID-19; Pandemics; Distance Education; United Kingdom (England) + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Studienerfahrung; Technikunterricht; Ausbildung; Berufsbildung; Sekundarschule; Ausland; STEM; Aktives Lernen; Schulprojekt; Distance study; Distance learning; Fernunterricht
Abstract	University Technical Colleges (UTCs) are newly established (since 2010-11) technical and vocational secondary schools in England, catering for young people aged 14-19. The schools focus strongly on delivering vocational, alongside Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)-focused academic, qualifications. The colleges have been introduced as a new means of improving technical and vocational education and training--a sector which in England has faced problems of low quality and low esteem--and in a wider international context of STEM-trained worker shortages. University Technical Colleges have been advertised as offering state-of-the-art vocational learning, involving access for students to the latest equipment and technologies in key industrial sectors, alongside extensive project-based learning in partnership with employers. However, how have UTC students fared in these respects since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic and associated lockdowns in 2020? In this paper we report on results from a survey of 252 students across two UTCs in England, exploring the technical and vocational learning experiences of these students during the exceptional 2019-20 academic year. Findings from the survey reveal lost learning and training opportunities during the pandemic, particularly where courses with practical elements relied on specific equipment and facilities that became inaccessible during lockdown. The survey also highlights disruptions to apprenticeship arrangements, work experience plans and other engagement with employers. Students in some instances have been effectively forced to stay on in education owing to reduced apprenticeship and employment opportunities for school-leavers. We find evidence of students adapting their aspirations and career goals to the new economic circumstances. (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01