Title: Perceptions and the new paradigm of Thai vocational education

Authors: Nongluck Manowaluilou; Prachyanun Nilsook; Prompilai Buasuwan

Addresses: Department of Vocational Education, Kasetsart University, 50 Phahon Yothin Road, Lat Yao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand ' Department of Vocational Education, Kasetsart University, 50 Phahon Yothin Road, Lat Yao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand ' Department of Vocational Education, Kasetsart University, 50 Phahon Yothin Road, Lat Yao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand

Abstract: The objectives were to: 1) assess and analyse students' perceptions toward vocational education; 2) propose a new paradigm and alternative pathways to change students' perceptions about vocational education. The use of mixed methods in this study developed a better understanding of secondary students' decisions towards vocational education. The results obtained from different methods have enriched the understanding of vocational education issues and advanced research in vocational education. A five-point Likert scale questionnaire was used to analyse the perceptions of 802 secondary students from six Thai regions toward vocational education. In-depth interviews with 18 students in grades 7-12 were analysed using a content analysis. Secondary students who had completed or were enrolled in vocational education influenced secondary students' views on vocational education. A new paradigm is required for new vocational education images, which may modify the image of vocational education and contribute to a new paradigm shift in vocational education.

Keywords: vocational education innovation; new paradigm in vocational education; perceptions of vocational education; vocational learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIL.2023.130101

International Journal of Innovation and Learning, 2023 Vol.33 No.3, pp.344 - 365

Received: 26 Dec 2021
Accepted: 02 Mar 2022
Published online: 05 Apr 2023 *

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