Vocational education has existed throughout modern history. Back then it was known as an apprenticeship, and it took place in two main areas – the classroom and on the job. This changed when education shifted focus from being practical to being theoretical. Schools focused more on academics which invariably led to a high number of school dropouts and a lower rate of technical and problem-solving skills among working classes.
Today, however, more schools are beginning to integrate vocational education into their curriculum. Policymakers and academic experts all agree that today’s generation needs knowledge and skill-based education for the growth of society and the world. Most schools offer vocational education courses at the high school level. However, there are international schools that adopt the holistic approach to student development that starts at an early age.
Ways to Participating in the Technical Vocation of Students to Polish their Talents:
1.Maker Space and Design Labs
Many international schools believe in imbibing and polishing skills of creativity among students. They have special skill labs to help students understand the basics of constructive and productive development. Studios like Maker Space and Design Labs are present in almost all international schools in the world which allow students to explore their own creative thinking through ‘making’. Child-friendly tools like Lego bricks or other material are provided to students to give a boost to their imagination, and encourage them to build smaller devices like robotic cars or lifting machines. The idea is to introduce students to the concepts of electrical and computer circuits, construction materials, and simple science and maths behind these formulae. Once students understand the logic used in such devices, it deepens their understanding of concepts and helps them in the long run.
2. Personality development
A variety of programs in arts and science are used to develop a student’s personality. Indian international schools in Kuala Lumpur like GIIS have special studios for performing arts like music, dance, drama, etc, which help with public speaking, communication, and expression skills of students which help them in presentations, stage-performance, etc. Such personality development training starts at the kindergarten stage. Schools begin by introducing programs such as social expression, critical thinking, sports, social contribution, among others in your school. There are various aspects of a student that need to be cultivated at an early stage to become individuals who effect change in society.
3. Introduce sports and creative programs
Sports are a great way to build mental toughness, physical strength, teamwork, and character among students. A school can introduce either indoor or outdoor sports, depending on the facility. Additionally, students who excel in a particular sport can be encouraged to pursue it as a career. Sports are also an excellent way for students to release tension, relax, and have fun. Students can take part in more than one sport before deciding which one they like most in the future.
It is equally important to allow students to explore their creative side. Introducing arts programs such as theatre, video production, painting, or drawing, music, among other programs, is a great way to start. Some schools hold talent shows so that students can show off their unique skills. It’s never too early to introduce a child to the arts. Given the right tools, students can begin creating their portfolios to be used in the future to start their careers or to further their education.
4. Have entrepreneurship and leadership programs
Entrepreneurship and leadership programs are necessary because students get to engage and interact with people who excel in these areas. Some of the best ways to encourage participation in such programs are to have boot camps away from the classroom and have students attend related events. Participation in such programs helps students increase their knowledge and take part in real-life experiences by leading teams and solving problems. Through such experiences, students become confident and can give significant contributions to a subject that they are passionate about.
5. Encourage academic excellence
When you marry academic excellence and vocational training, you are students with both theoretical knowledge and technical skill. Collaborative project-based learning, among other unique teaching methodologies, has proven to be successful in achieving academic excellence. Through this method, students learn through discussion, experience, and reading. Additionally, a student’s desire to learn becomes more of a habit.
Conclusion
The main benefit of vocational education is that it prepares students for the job market. Job readiness is vital today because a lot of careers do not necessarily require a degree. Creativity, innovation, and integrity are among the main other qualities employers are looking for today. It is, therefore, necessary to adopt an education system that encourages holistic student development.
