Advancing Vocational Education: Exploring Innovative Approaches for Lifelong Skills Enhancement
A special issue of Education Sciences (ISSN 2227-7102).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 September 2024) | Viewed by 3483
Special Issue Editors
Interests: Innovating teaching methods; technology-enhanced teaching; learning vocational education
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
In today's rapidly changing world, it is crucial to recognize the need for renewing vocational education to address the evolving demands of the job market, the pervasive influence of technology and the shifting expectations of new generations. This Special Issue aims to explore the latest advancements and innovative approaches in vocational education and training (VET), with a specific focus on enhancing lifelong skills. By examining these key aspects, we can identify strategies and practices that will empower individuals to thrive in their careers and contribute to the growth and development of society as a whole.
First, the job market is constantly evolving, driven by advancements in technology and automation. To remain relevant and competitive, workers need to acquire the latest technical and digital skills through updated VET programs. Second, our society has become highly technologized, with technology permeating various aspects of our lives. By integrating technology-enhanced learning into VET, individuals can develop the necessary digital competences for work and lifelong learning. Third, new generations entering the workforce have distinct priorities and aspirations. They seek meaningful and fulfilling work experiences, work–life balance and opportunities for growth. Adapting VET to align with these expectations ensures that it remains attractive and valuable to emerging talent. Lastly, renewed programs for lifelong learning are necessary to ensure that individuals can continuously adapt to the evolving demands of the modern workforce and stay competitive in a rapidly changing world. Furthermore, these adaptive programs should facilitate the development of both personal and professional life projects, promoting a balanced approach to achieving life goals.
We invite researchers, educators and practitioners to contribute their insights and research findings in this area. The Special Issue will cover topics such as:
- Pedagogical advancements (e.g., the flipped classroom, personalized learning or HyFlex teaching delivery modes);
- Emerging technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence, robotics or simulations);
- Strategies to ensure the relevance and effectiveness of VET in a rapidly evolving job market (e.g., industry partnerships or DUAL systems);
- The contribution of VET in developing personal and professional life projects in a changing world of work and success values (e.g., adaptive learning, modularization or micro-credentials);
We believe that this Special Issue will provide valuable insights and contribute to the ongoing efforts to improve VET programs. We look forward to receiving your contributions and sharing your expertise with our readers.
Dr. Ingrid Noguera
Dr. Pilar Pineda Herrero
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Education Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- vocational education and training (VET)
- quality of VET
- transfer of VET
- innovative training methods
- technology-enhanced learning
- lifelong learning skills
- personal and professional development
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.
