An historical review suggests that the current state of practical and vocational education is not unique. History shows that popular programs such as school-to-work and tech prep will not endure if past mistakes such as indecision and inability to change are repeated. (SK)

To recover historically embedded ideals, the authors examined the industrial arts movement's reconstructionist mission, the philosophical base of experience, and the unitary organization of curriculum. They hope it opens dialogue with the ideals that changed a vision for what arguably was one of the most progressive movements in the history of…

William Penn understood that many colonial settlers would not be members of the Religious Society of Friends, so he tried to ensure the practice of Quaker ideals by establishing a compulsory, universal school system embodying the values of community, equality, pacifism, and simplicity. After 300 years, the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting's Committee…

Traces the history of vocationalism in education and differentiates between competency-based education and training and the Key Competencies. Highlights recent developments in mathematics for the vocational education and training sector. Addresses the concept of vocationalism in schools and some issues associated with the implementation of…

Vocational teachers in northern Canada are challenged to meet the unique needs of their students who are physically isolated; who must cope with harsh climate; who live in small communities; and who face an almost unbridgeable cultural gap. Teachers are challenged to prepare students for limited local employment or for life without a job. (JOW)

The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education (CTE) Improvement Act was recently passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bush. Past and present Perkins legislation is examined in this paper in order to identify the roles and responsibilities of CTE teachers in meeting the current and future needs of the profession. This paper…

This article explores some different ways of providing vocational qualifications, specifically for young people who do not go directly to university from school. The examples of Germany and Australia are discussed and show that historical, political, economic and social factors influence the preferred modes of training and their relative perceived…

We welcome you to the International Conference on Education and New Developments 2014, taking place in Madrid, Spain, from 28 to 30 of June, 2014. Education, as an important right in our contemporary world, began since we exist. Knowledge and skills were passed by adults to the young, and cultures began to extend their experiences through various…

The paper compares two philosophical models of vocationalism: (1) the social efficiency approach, and (2) progressive reform and Dewey's philosophy. (BP)

During the past 100 years, technological development in the Republic of China has not been able to catch up with that of western industrialized countries. An important reason is that early Chinese society despised technology and failed to include technical education in orthodox, mainstream education. The concept that one's advancement is in…

Author investigated the confusion and controversy surrounding the high school of the 1970s, its nature, function, and task. (Author/RK)

Author traced the history of the division between head and hand, vocationalism and intellectualism, and the difference in status recognition for both of them in order to show that inequality has persisted despite periodical liberal disclaimers. (Editor/RK)

This four-part literature review focuses on the role, duties, and responsibilities of the chief administrator of vocational education programs in community/junior colleges. After the introductory section presents a rationale for the paper, describes its organization, and operationally defines terms used in the paper, Part II places the study in…

Past historical studies have resulted in contradictory interpretations of the social-philosophical motives underlying the early rationale of the vocational education movement. Contemporary vocational educators argue that early tenets (and the underlying philosophy of providing more equal opportunity and freedom of occupational choice) have not…

The author has presented a historical review of societal/industrial conditions affecting the development of manual education to determine if a need for change in industrial arts exists at the present time. Societal conditions, industrial conditions, and the resulting educational response are examined in: Russia (mid-19th century), Sweden (19th…