1. Cooperative action-research and the potential impact of research networks on the development of TVET systems
Skills for the Future World of Work and TVET for Global Competitiveness
Bangladesh, Dhaka,
Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Thomas Schröder Director of Institute of Philosophy of Education and Vocational Education Chair of International Cooperation in Education and TVET Systems

2. 1. The Change of Society and World of Work
technological progress in all sectors of economy
digital media
improved access to information
enhanced communication
globalisation and regionalisation (EU, ASEAN, EAC etc.)
free movement of labour, goods and services
increased global competition
change of work organisation (Industry 4.0)
TVET systems have to continously adapt to
changes of work organisation, economy,
and society!!!
Benchmark or own system development?

3. 2. Overall TVET system and demand in capacity building
International
Transfer of
Knowledge
International
Policy Transfer
Societal Groups:
Association, Unions
Policy Recommendation
evidence-based Reform
Policy Level
(strategic decisions)
Universities
- Vocational Edu. as Scientific Discipline
- Education of TVET
personnel w. backgr. from TVET-System
- Action-research
Bachelor
Master
Ph.D.
Administration
(policy transformation)
Field of Vocational Education as Academic Discipline
Operation
- Vocational Schools
- Training Centres
- Workplace Learning
Innovation, Implementation,
Model Trials, Dissemination
Dual Vocational Training
Labour Market
(continuous change)
TVET is a complex societal task!!!
Various interests and perspectives
need to be balanced!
Schröder 2017

4. 3. Questions with regard to continuous change of TVET system
Own solutions are more sustainable, than solutions offered by outstanders!!!
A) Which TVET-research approaches support change, systemic innovation and development in a sustainable manner?
B) Which research approaches combine
development of TVET systems and their elements,
capacity building of teachers, trainers, managers, and scientists,
involvement of different stakeholders like industy etc.,
research, generation of knowledge and dissemination,
innovation, reform, and policy recommendations,
and systemic sustainability?

5. 4. Structure of Work-based Learning and Cooperative Action-Research (CAR) in TVET
TVET objectives: high quality, efficiency, problem-solving, creativity, innovation, critical-thinking,
anticipation of processes, continuous improvement, Lifelong Learning
Design of Process
development task to be assigned (model trial), objectives determined
researcher and practitioners participate in R&D-process
processual combination of input, development and trial phase
structured and experiential research and learning process: Capacity Building
reflection, generation and systematication of knowledge, dissemination
formulation of policy recommendations
Type 1: Horizontal CAR - Cross-national Research Approach (e.g. ASEAN)
Type 2: Vertical CAR - Local Research Cluster (e.g. University, Vocational School, Company etc.)
© Thomas Schröder
Process-Input-Model

6. 5. Example: Regional Association for Vocational and Technical Education in Asia (RAVTE)
27 Universities that share a common interest in (Strategy ):
ASEAN Econmic Community 2015
exchanging staff and students
conducting cooperative action-research
establishing Vocational Pedagogy as a scientific discipline (precondition for research and development)
cooperation with industry in study programs and in TVET
innovation and initiating reform
dissemination through
Joint Study Program on „Design and Government of Technical and
Vocational Education“
Achievements until now:
RAVTE secretariat in Chiang Mai/Thailand
strategy and operation is based on constitution
accreditation as association in Thailand
Public Relations: Homepage, Newsletter
Online Journal for Technical and Vocational Education in Asia (

7. 6. Recommendations for regional structures and its impact on development of TVET-systems
establish a operational structure, a coordinating secretariat
define common objectives, develop a clear strategy
create transparency through a common constitution
Employ research approaches that support the development and innovation of TVET systems
model trials
strengthen „Vocational Education“ as an action-oriented academic discipline at university level
reform-oriented and policy-recommendation
enhance exchange of personnel and dissemination of knowledge
foster education of TVET researchers, administrators, and management

8. আপনার মনোযোগের জন্য আপনাকে অনেক ধন্যবাদ!
ขอบคุณ 谢谢 terima kasih salamat
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kyaayyjuutainparsai
thank you