| Abstract [eng] |
During Lithuania's economic restructuring and integration into the European Union's economic structures, an appropriate and effective usage of human resource becomes an important challenge (Memorandum on Lifelong Learning, 2001). Non-formal education in this context takes on an important role as more flexible, more in line with market needs and student interests, and having the variety of forms of education. Since the concept of non-formal education was settled only after 2003 in documents and scientific works, its activities till nowadays were usually referred to as the extra-curricular education, after-school activities, gatherings, etc. This work was focused to reveal the role of non-formal education in vocational choice of the 10th and 12th grade students. The thesis sample consisted of all 10th and 12th grade students (535) in primary, secondary schools and gymnasiums, located in Akmene district. It also included the non-formal education school teachers (38) of the same district. Analysis and summary of theoretical literature, analysis of questionnaire data revealed the attitude of the 10th and 12th grade students about the situation of extra-curricular education in Akmene district. It also revealed the approach non-formal education to the benefits of vocational choice. The results revealed the following key tendencies: the majority of the 10th and 12th grade pupils attend extra-curricular education classes, which may affect or be useful in career choices twelfth grades; students perceived greater benefits of extra-curricular education classes in making career choices than the tenth grade students; the majority of pupils relate their professional careers to studies at university, and students learn most about various professions from the class teachers; sports and other extra-curriculum lessons are most popular among students (they attend them, because those activities are interesting); extra-curriculum education classes develop teamwork and communication skills, as well as the sense of responsibility. The hypothesis of this work claimed that it is likely that students’ participation in non-formal education activities is related to students’ career choices. It was partially proven. |
