Project Director:
Keywords:
The purpose of this project is to build an understanding of the character of
experiences acquired by students through programs which represent "New
Vocationalism," with particular emphasis on the experiences of students who are
traditionally underrepresented in the literature (e.g., female, Hispanic, and
Asian students). The experiences of primary interest are those obtained by
students who are enrolled in programs with systematic links between vocational
and academic knowledge, school- and work-based knowledge, and secondary and
postsecondary institutions. This longitudinal project examines the experiences
of 150 vocational-technical students over a 31/2 year period. Data
collection is underway in eleven sites located in major geographical areas of
the country. Students are being interviewed every six months, and follow-up
research activities will be conducted. In some cases, students will be asked
to complete special surveys or writing assignments on a quarterly basis in lieu
of interviews. Information compiled will be used to describe the programs and
institutions in which the students are enrolled. Data will be complemented by
direct observations and note-taking by field researchers and site
coordinators.
Qualitative techniques will be used to collect and analyze data, and to
identify themes as an ongoing process. Emerging themes will be cross-examined
using quantitative techniques and data from a nationally representative
longitudinal study (NELS 88, first follow-up 1990).
Thematic reports will be written in such areas as (1) development of student
career and academic aspirations, (2) student experiences and perspectives on
authentic learning opportunities, (3) students' perspectives on emerging
vocational programs, and (4) the "voices" of the students and analyses of their
perspectives on relevant issues (e.g., tracking and social stigma, or the value
of work-based learning experiences).
Dissemination plans include (1) presentation of preliminary results at various
state, regional, and national conferences; (2) publication of thematic reports
which will be produced at various stages of the project; and (3) preparation of
journal articles and newsletters.
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