| Abstract [eng] |
In the context of changes the issue of improvement of vocational training network became highly relevant in Lithuania. In accordance with EUROSTAT data Lithuania is among three countries of the European Union with the least developed participation of labour force in formal and informal education. The sector of vocational training does not react to the changes of environment and country’s economy fast enough, i.e. there is a constant shortage of qualified workers, workers in service sector and high qualification specialists. Subject of the study: activity peculiarities of vocational training centres. Aim of the study: identify peculiarities of activity of vocational training centres under conditions of changes and give recommendations on this matter. Methodology of the study. Theoretic provisions of vocational training and regulatory legal acts of European Union regulating vocational training were analysed. Peculiarities of vocational training under conditions of changes are viewed through the context of vocational training applied in Lithuania and Europe. Analysis of activity of vocational centres under conditions of changes is carried out: what changed, what goals are set, what should be improved according to pedagogues and students. Methodological study is based on three alternatives – personality development trends originating from different philosophical traditions: philosophical trend of person-orientated education; philosophical trend of productivity-orientated education; and philosophical trend orientated towards education of problem-solving skills. Methods used in the study: theoretic analysis; analysis of documentation; questionnaire and statistical analysis. Volume and planning of the study. 15 centres of vocational training from Klaipeda, Kaunas, Panevezys, Vilnius, Siauliai, Utena and Marijampole participated in the study. Overall 300 respondents: 150 pedagogues from vocational training centres and 150 students. Conclusions. The following tendencies of activity peculiarities of vocational training centres were identified: 1) changes in activity of vocational training centres are influenced by rapidly changing economic environment, innovative processes in science, social policy, technologic development and development of education priorities; 2) changes in activity of vocational training centres determines changes in functions of activity, qualifications and competences. |
