Boundary-Crossing in Secondary Vocational Education: A Multiperspective Approach

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 1:45 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Workforce Training (Table 6)

Abstract

This study investigates the collaboration (boundary-crossing) between secondary vocational education (VET) schools and the labor market to enhance learning and motivation for VET students. This qualitative study includes focus groups and a multiple case study with semi-structured interviews, classroom and team meeting observations in 3 VET schools. We investigated how boundary-crossing can occur and the experiences and challenges that actors encounter. Preliminary findings indicate that schools engage in boundary-crossing within and outside school premises. Although all interviewees have a positive experience with boundary-crossing, they encountered challenges like insufficient supervision of students at their internship. Finally, we investigate possible solutions for these challenges. This study contributes to the existing literature by adopting a holistic perspective on boundary-crossing.

Authors

• Lyssa Pauwels, Ghent University

• Melissa Tuytens, Ghent University

• Ingeborg Plackle, Vrije Universiteit Brussel