DATE: May 5-9, 2025 |
Venue: Hotel Royal, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
Type: Regional Program |
ORGANIZERS: Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC), Philippines, andDepartment of Polytechnic and College Community Education (DPCCE), Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE), Malaysia |
Background
The Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector faces significant challenges across various regions, including a lack of a research culture, limited capacity in research methodology, and insufficient policy-oriented studies. These challenges manifest in issues such as skills mismatches, weak industry collaboration, funding constraints, technology integration challenges, and gender disparities highlighting the need for evidence-based decision-making to enhance the effectiveness of the TVET system. Strengthening research capabilities among TVET leaders and practitioners is essential for aligning curriculum with labor market demands, formulating informed policies, and fostering innovation in teaching methodologies.
To address these challenges, the program aims to strengthen research capabilities among leaders and practitioners in TVET. By equipping participants with advanced knowledge of research methodologies specifically designed for the TVET context, the program seeks to empower professionals to conduct rigorous research that informs policy formulation, curriculum design, and institutional strategies. This focus on building research capacity will help participants better understand and address the complexities of their environments, ultimately leading to improved educational outcomes and alignment with labor market demands. The program will promote an inquiry-based culture that encourages critical analysis and evidence-based practices among TVET professionals.
The program highlights that knowledge on the research methodology is vital for taking evidence based policy decisions. Research methodology is a specific technique used to identify, select, process and analyze information about a specific topic. Each research in any field, irrespective of its type (qualitative,quantitative or mixed mode) has a different purpose and approach that helps in solving research questions. On the other hand, this program also highlights the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing among TVET professionals across the Asia-Pacific region. By promoting a collaborative culture of cooperation, participants will have the opportunity to share best practices, learn from each other's experiences, and work together to address common challenges within their institutions. This collaborative approach not only enhances individual competencies but also contributes to building a strong network of TVET professionals dedicated to advancing the sector. The program's design includes group work activities and discussions to facilitate the exchange of ideas and experiences, emphasizing that collective action is essential for driving change.
Ultimately, enhancing research capabilities within the TVET sector will result in better alignment of curricula with labor market needs, more effective policy formulation, and innovative teaching methods. By focusing on these areas, the program aims to create a sustainable impact that improves the overall quality of TVET education. Participants will leave with practical tools and frameworks that can be immediately applied in their institutions, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and responsiveness to emerging challenges. This initiative represents a significant step toward ensuring that TVET systems are not only resilient but also positioned as engines for socio-economic advancement in their respective regions.
The Colombo Plan Staff College has been actively collaborating with various organizations and agencies in the TVET sector across the region to identify essential issues that need to be addressed in order to enhance the TVET systems and improve the capacity of leaders and practitioners. In partnership with the Department of Polytechnic and Community College Education (DPCCE), Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) Malaysia, the Colombo Plan Staff College will organize a five-day regional program. This program aims to assist TVET leaders and practitioners in fostering a research culture that increases knowledge and awareness among TVET practitioners, ultimately improving the quality of TVET in member countries across the Asia and Pacific region.
Objectives
At the end of the program, participants should be able to:
- Enhance participants' understanding of both fundamental and advanced research methodologies relevant to TVET.
- Develop competencies in designing and implementing research projects which address specific challenges within the TVET sector.
- Foster collaboration and facilitate knowledge exchange among TVET professionals in Asia and the Pacific region.
- Promote the application of research findings to assist in policy formulation, curriculum development, and institutional improvement.
Expected Output and Outcomes
The presentation and workshop activities will focus on developing research methodologies tailored to the vision, mission, strategic goals, and objectives of TVET institutions. This aims to enhance the effectiveness of research initiatives across member countries. Below is the summary of the expected outputs from the training sessions:
- Research methodologies tailored to the vision, mission, and strategic goals of TVET Institutions
- Ability to design and implement research methodologies addressing future labor workforce demand in the TVET sector
- Deeper understanding of research design, methodologies, and strategic implementation specific to TVET
- Enhanced leadership competencies for driving innovation and managing research activities effectively.
- Preparedness for emerging skills technologies and global challenges in the TVET sector
- Practical frameworks for transforming research findings into policies and institutional practices
- Facilitates cross-institutional and sectoral collaboration, promoting a shared commitment to innovation in TVET
Program Contents
Special Lecture: An Overview of Research in TVET for Asia Pacific
Theme Paper 1: Foundations of Research in TVET
- Importance of research in TVET
- Types of research methodologies (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods)
- Ethical considerations in research
Theme Paper 2: Research Design and Implementation
- Identifying research problems and formulating research questions
- Research Methodology
- Research Tools and data collection techniques.
Theme Paper 3: Applied Research in TVET
- Conducting case studies and action research in TVET settings
- Integration of emerging technologies in research processes
- Strategies for scaling and sustaining research outcomes
Theme Paper 4: Data Analysis and Validation in Research
- Sampling techniques and data collection methods
- Tools for data analysis and interpretation
Theme Paper 5: Dissemination and Utilization of Research Findings
- Preparing research reports and presentations
- Publishing in academic and professional journals
- Translating research into actionable policies and practices
Exercises and workshops on the following:
Group Work Activities (GWA) & Group Discussion (GD)
- GD: Research in 21st Century
- GWA 1: Workshop on Research Design
- GWA 2: Workshop on Data Analysis
- GWA 3: Workshop on Research Proposal
Approach and Methodology
To achieve the objectives set forth, the following strategies will be employed in a consultative manner:
- Theme paper presentations
- Group Work Activities
- Group Presentations
- Action Planning
Participants' Profile
The participants of the program are expected to include administrators, directors, lecturers, and practitioners in the TVET sector, preferably with at least 10 years of experience in managing TVET institutes in their respective home countries. They are distinguished experts in specific fields related to TVET capable of contributing to the program objectives and outcomes.
Date and Venue
The five-day program will be held from May 5 to 9, 2025, at the Hotel Royal, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Facilities Requirements
To conduct the program smoothly, the following facilities are required:
- Laptop computers (preferably participants to bring their laptop)
- Internet Connection (LAN/WAN)
- Audio and Video Equipment
- Multimedia Projector and Projection Screen
- Web-Based Teaching and Learning System through OnCOURSE
Program Management and Resource Persons
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Program Schedule
