Review of vocational education and training research in the United Kingdom

Vocational education and training (VET) research in the UK has been taking place in the last decade against a distinctive policy backdrop, which has provided both a context and a driving force for research activity. VET research in the UK is located across a number of institutional and disciplinary settings and supported by funding from a wide range of sources. This guide of VET research carried out since 1989 has been designed for use by European researchers involved in the European Cooperation in the field of Scientific and Technical Research (COST) Action A11 on promoting flexibility, mobility and transferability in VET. The introductory section provides an overview of the study and then outlines VET policy, examining effects of the changing labour market, increasing reliance on market mechanisms and the relationship between policy and research. Section one focuses on the relationship between VET and economic performance. Section two examines the relationship between domain-specific and general problem-solving ability, concentrating on pace of change and the changing learning requirements within the workplace. Section three focuses on the complex teaching and learning environments emphasising the proliferation of the use of multi-media, open learning and distance learning formats. Learning to learn is seen as a fundamental skill in a workforce that is constantly adapting to new technologies and systems. Section four centres on policy emphasis on increasing demands for skills, knowledge and understanding. VET is increasing its focus on the need to develop the flexibility and adaptability of individuals. Section five discusses assessment and evaluation and examines the effectiveness of National Vocational Qualifications. This section particularly focuses on what assessment can and cannot do. Section six looks at VET research that does not fit within the sub-headings of the COST framework, focusing on general issues and approaches that permeate any consideration of VET. The critical role for guidance in facilitating flexibility, transferability and mobility within VET is analysed. It also draws attention to the challenge of mainstreaming equality within the European Union and examines the possibilities for research collaboration from a UK perspective. The research covered in this publication is varied in approach from policy analysis and hermeneutic studies to analytical/empirical studies focused on trends and qualitative studies using ethnographic and case study methods. Show less