A Cross-Institutional Study of Vocational and Professional Education and Training (VPET) Students and Teachers' Needs of Innovative Pedagogical Practices

Abstract

Questionnaires surveys were conducted to 343 students and 20 teachers from three of the largest Vocational and Professional Education and Training (VPET) institutions in Hong Kong for the identification of specific instructional strategies to derive innovative pedagogical practices for effective learning and teaching in VPET. Findings revealed that in current learning and teaching practices, lecture and the use of lecture notes were prevailing while the least conducted learning and teaching activities were e-learning / use of technology. Students preferred great flexibility, accessibility and convenience when studying. Reponses also indicated that the use of mobile devices in study became very popular. Results of this study imply that technology enhanced learning and teaching activities would benefit both teachers and students. While multiple learning channels would enable students to self-regulate their learning, there are needs to blend face-to-face teaching with e-learning or mobile learning to further enhance students' motivation and timely interaction via online social media. After all, the readiness and preparation of the teachers is another pressing issue awaiting to be addressed.