Akiko Harada, Hisako Umemura, Erika Atarashi, Rei Morita, and Yoshinosuke Koizumi
April, 2018
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between TVET (Technical Vocational Education and Training) after upper secondary education and labor market in Lao PDR, from perspectives of teachers and students experiences at TVET and other post-secondary education institutions.
Problems such as mismatch between the needs of the labor market and the educational training provided at TVET institutions, low quality of teachers, and disparity between metropolitan and rural areas have been pointed out. However, little has been elucidated on how the teachers are trained, how it relates to their teaching practice, how the education is received by the students, and how all of these connect to the students’ career. In this research, a qualitative research was conducted on TVET’s quality of education and connection with students’ career paths from the perspectives of teachers and students.
The study discovered the following three points. First, both students and teachers at TVET perceived that their education and certificate are meeting market needs; graduates of TVET are likely to get jobs in tourism, construction, and culinary easily. Second, TVET teachers recognized the gap between outdated curriculum and the market needs. They eagerly filled this gap by utilizing the Internet, networking with teachers with different experience and disciplines, and collaborating with university faculty, etc. Third, philosophy of educational institutions corresponded with career goals of the students. TVET students valued practice and economy whereas university and college students placed higher values in self-realization and contribution to the society.
