24th February 2011, Vientiane "Improving the Curriculum for Vocational Teacher Education" 1 Empirical evidence of Bachelor program (Tracer Study) Initial results

24th February 2011, Vientiane "Improving the Curriculum for Vocational Teacher Education" 2 Distribution of Graduates (VTTD) Only graduates from 2007/08 and 2008/09 were selected to be interviewed.

24th February 2011, Vientiane "Improving the Curriculum for Vocational Teacher Education" 3 Distribution of Graduates/Respondents (VTTD)

24th February 2011, Vientiane "Improving the Curriculum for Vocational Teacher Education" 4 Objectives of Tracer Study* whereabouts of graduates practical relevance of teacher training motivation of graduates to study vocational teacher education relevance of the academic education for the professional career of the graduates in general * Identified at the workshop “Challenges, Implications and Recommendations for improve Institutional and Capacity Development of Vocational Teacher Education and Research” (16th September 2010, Vientiane)

24th February 2011, Vientiane "Improving the Curriculum for Vocational Teacher Education" 5 Collecting data of graduates (difficulties and recommendations) Recover graduates has proven as a real challenge. Education institutions should keep records about present and former students. Students should be exposed and animated to use the Internet and online communication (mail, facebook etc.).

24th February 2011, Vientiane "Improving the Curriculum for Vocational Teacher Education" 6 Collecting data of graduates (difficulties and recommendations) Challenging in particular was the following behavior:

24th February 2011, Vientiane "Improving the Curriculum for Vocational Teacher Education" 7 Designing the questionnaire APersonal Data BQuestions regarding the situation before starting your studies at NUoL CQuestions regarding the course of the studies in general DQuestions regarding the major subject EQuestions regarding the subject of vocational teacher training FQuestions regarding the transition from studies to present occupation

24th February 2011, Vientiane "Improving the Curriculum for Vocational Teacher Education" 8 Initial results (B – situation before entering university) The vast majority of respondents started their studies directly after completion of general education. Only a minority had previously worked – as a teacher – and used the studies in order to acquire the Bachelor.

24th February 2011, Vientiane "Improving the Curriculum for Vocational Teacher Education" 9 Initial results (C – course of studies in general ) The study course was rated as generally positive and a good basis for further professional development (+) The teaching of professional knowledge was evaluated as particularly positive (+) Studies in general should be improved urgently in terms of practical preparation for professional life (–) Analytical skills/critical thinking were not strengthened (–) Some lecturers show a lack of interest in the students themselves or in their academic success (–)

24th February 2011, Vientiane "Improving the Curriculum for Vocational Teacher Education" 10 Initial results (D – major subject ) Outstanding motives for the choice of the individual subject: 1. Interest in the subject 2. Multiple employment opportunities in the future 3. Good chances to get a secure job – not a well paid job Weak points which need to be improved desperately: 1. Practical training (improvement and extension) 2. Quality and actuality of the content of lessons 3. Teaching material/media, classroom equipment

24th February 2011, Vientiane "Improving the Curriculum for Vocational Teacher Education" 11 Initial results (E – subject of vocational teacher training ) Outstanding motives for the choice of the individual subject: 1. Interest in the subject 2. Multiple employment opportunities in the future 3. Opportunity to get a scholarship 4. Good chances to get a secure job – not a well paid job Weak points which need to be improved desperately: 1. Practical training (improvement and extension) 2. Application of theoretical knowledge (particularly considering the preparation of lessons) 3. Coordination within FE/NUoL (between VTTD and different Departments/Faculties

24th February 2011, Vientiane "Improving the Curriculum for Vocational Teacher Education" 12 Initial results (F – transition to present occupation) * both unemployed graduates are males and graduated in 2008/09 ** one self-employed graduate sales computer-equip. (full-time), the other runs a construction company (part-time)

24th February 2011, Vientiane "Improving the Curriculum for Vocational Teacher Education" 13 Initial results (F – transition to present occupation) 23 out of 27 respondents (85.19 %) found an employment within 6 months!

24th February 2011, Vientiane "Improving the Curriculum for Vocational Teacher Education" 14 Initial results (F – transition to present occupation) Distribution of Employers 10 out of 24 employed graduates (41.67 %) got a job as a teacher!

24th February 2011, Vientiane "Improving the Curriculum for Vocational Teacher Education" 15 Initial results (F – transition to present occupation)

24th February 2011, Vientiane "Improving the Curriculum for Vocational Teacher Education" 16 Initial results (F – transition to present occupation)

24th February 2011, Vientiane "Improving the Curriculum for Vocational Teacher Education" 17 Initial results (F – transition to present occupation)

24th February 2011, Vientiane "Improving the Curriculum for Vocational Teacher Education" 18 Reffering initial results to the objectives ObjectivesResults Whereabouts of graduates Around 40 % of graduates work at a vocational school. Practical relevance of teacher training The graduates miss sufficient practical exercises, internships and the application of theoretical knowledge. Therefore they do not feel well prepared for their professional life. Motivation to study vocational teacher education 1. Interest in the subject 2. Multiple employment opportunities in the future 3. Opportunity to get a scholarship 4. Good chances to get a secure job Relevance of the academic education for the professional career of the graduates in general Most of the graduates certify their studies to be highly beneficial, even if the preparation for professional life must be improved significantly.

24th February 2011, Vientiane "Improving the Curriculum for Vocational Teacher Education" 19 Thank you for your attention! If you have further questions or comments, don´t hesitate to get in touch with me (0)