This study explores the effect of policy and funding changes in the further education (FE) sector on the nature of teacher professionalism and the general vocational curriculum. In the last decade there has been tremendous change in the FE sector. It has been argued that this has been the result of fundamental alterations in the organization and distribution of work. The consequence has been that much governmental attention has been paid to the post-school sector. The recent White Paper Learning to Succeed (DfEE, 1999b) has been one of a number of attempts to redress the perceived failure of the sector to provide a skilled workforce for the needs of industry. My thesis seeks to reflect upon the effects of policy and funding changes in one further education college. It concentrates on changes in general vocational education and training. It reflects on the impact of those changes upon teacher professionalism in further education. The research took place in a college of further education using case study methods. The data for my findings are derived from participant observation techniques and semi-structured interviews with teaching staff. It utilized a qualitative critical ethnographic methodology with the aim of giving a voice to those most affected by the changes. Lecturers believe that significant changes to the sector were initiated by the Incorporation of colleges (April, 1993) and have accelerated since. The fieldwork took place in the academic year 1998-99. The literature review part of my research found that, in order to advance the government's vision for a 'learning society', it opined that alterations in the general vocational curriculum were necessary. I believe that changes to the professional lives of college lecturers were required in order to implement that end. It is my conviction that the changes are instrumental. They are about preparing young people for the needs of industry alone. The lecturers in my study believe such changes have had a negative effect on their definitions of the concept of professionalism. Further to this, they feel that the new qualifications and the way they had to be taught, to the backdrop of, for example, cuts in class contact hours, have had a detrimental effect on the education and training of students. These developments, they maintain, will militate against any evolution of a true 'learning society', if such a society would have the aim of producing a future citizenry (not just workers) in a 'reflective participatory democracy'.

The integration of vocational and academic classes is often recognized as an effective method to motivate students and involve them in career preparation. This is also a goal of the dropout prevention efforts of many school districts. In Baker County, Florida, as in other districts, teacher participation in integrative efforts is recognized as a crucial factor. This project examines curricula and instructional and leadership practices that led to the successful implementation of academic and vocational integration in a Florida middle school. The resultant success and modus operandi may be used as a model for encouraging faculty involvement in interdisciplinary curriculum development.

Thesis (M. Ed. (Educational Studies)) -- University of Limpopo, 2013 / This research was based on the challenges faced by lecturers in the implementation of the National Certificate Vocational (NCV) curriculum at Mopani South East FET College. The common idea was that the new NCV curriculum in South Africa was going to keep abreast of changes with the population. However, the implementation of the NCV curriculum was not as effective as expected. This was demonstrated by the fact that in 2007, numerous students in NCV Level 2, did not manage to progress to the next level. The through-put rate was low in almost all the programmes. Therefore, the researcher was led to believe that lecturers were finding it difficult to implement the new NCV curriculum. In order to explore challenges faced by lecturers in the implementation of the NCV curriculum at Mopani South East FET, the researcher discussed different perspectives of and the rationale for curriculum change and implementation in different parts of the world including South Africa. The curriculum changes and implementation were discussed considering some of the countries, such as Romania, China, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United States of America (USA), Malawi, Mozambique and South Africa. Scholars have proven that for effective curriculum implementation, there are a number of ideas, which cannot be undermined, especially when there are curriculum changes. It referred to issues, such as the availability of curriculum plans, proper curriculum implementation management and leadership and continuous development of all the implementers. The aim of the study was to explore the challenges faced by lecturers in the implementation of the NCV curriculum at Mopani South East FET College. There were three objectives to this study, Firstly, to establish obstacles, which hindered the implementation of the NCV curriculum, secondly, explore what the causes for these obstacles were, and thirdly, describe the extent, to which these obstacles affected the implementation of NCV curriculum. The challenges faced by lecturers in the implementation of the NCV at Mopani South East FET College were investigated in order to achieve the stated objectives. The findings of this study provided conclusions and implications to NCV curriculum lecturers as well as policy makers; and added a body of knowledge in curriculum implementation. v A qualitative research method was used for the purpose of this study. Interviews and document analyses were used in order to gather information. The findings from this research project focused on four themes a) physical resources; b) student matters; c) staff matters and d) management matters. After considering the findings and results from the interviews and documents analyses, the researcher was convinced that further research could be undertaken in line with the relevant lecturer qualifications, academic and staff development for the FET sector, articulation of the NCV curriculum by businesses, monitoring and evaluation of the NCV curriculum implementation by campus, college management, as well as relevant provincial and national officials. In conclusion, the researcher believes that this study would play a very significant role to assist lecturers teaching or lecturing the NCV programmes, additionally, add to the body of knowledge in curriculum implementation and be of use to policy makers. Eventually, it will assist in bringing the desired expectations by Mopani South East FET College and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DoHET) to fruition.

The problem of this study was the need for a systematic development of curriculum for Coordinated Vocational Academic Education (C.V.A.E.) Office Duplication Practice. Sources of data included recent research and information provided by the Texas Education Agency. The study is divided into five parts, including an introduction; background information; an overview of the Mid-America Vocational Curriculum Consortium and the Occupational Curriculum Development Laboratory; and a summary of findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Findings are that there are opposing forces in curriculum development. The study concludes that progress is being made in curriculum development, and recommends that the individual learner be the focal point of all curriculum development efforts.