The purpose of this research is to assess the teaching·learning environment in vocational education and training programs for the unemployed. A great deal of research has been done in this area, but there has been a notable lack of research on the teaching ·learning environment in that regard. Especially conspicuous in its absence is qualitative research examining in detail the mechanisms of the vocational education and training teaching·learning environment in the actual field.
We therefore conducted a case study of 13 vocational education and training institutes that had been praised for the competitiveness of their operating programs over a number of years. The institutes were categorized into 4 fields: mechanical (3 institutes), office management (2 institutes), information technology (3 institutes), and beauty treatment/medical treatment/cooking (5 institutes). The institutes were selected according to standards and procedures devised by a panel of experts.
To devise a framework for the analysis, we undertook a literature review, an analysis of data from the institutes, and discussions with experts. In this process, the definition, characteristics and recent trends of the teaching·learning environment in vocational education and training were ascertained and confirmed. Also, related factors, including processes that influence the teaching-learning environment in this context were analyzed. Moreover a narrative of the history and direction of government policies concerning vocational education and training were presented. Throughout this process, the direction of this research was established, and research variables, tools and frameworks were delineated. We also evaluated the management status of domestic vocational education and training institutes. As the main research method, in-depth interviews of persons concerned were conducted and certain responses of the trainees were analyzed statistically.
The framework of this research was as follows. The two points of analysis were the teaching-learning input factors and the teaching-learning process. As to environmental factors, the industry, the institute, and government policy were analyzed. As to essential factors, programs, trainees, and trainers were analyzed and as to implementation factors, the teaching-learning method and teaching-learning media were analyzed. Next, we examined this content from the point of view of the teaching-learning process and performed a systematic analysis. The first process was "before class" (analysis, design, development), the second process "in class" (implementation), and the third was "after class" (evaluation).
This research was correlated with certain policy changes executed starting this year. We anticipate that this study will be important in illuminating what specific factors these policy changes have influenced. The results of the research reveal the distinct characteristics and problems of this teaching-learning environment, particularly in terms of trainee recruitment, trainers, facilities, program information and the field's intrinsic characteristics. Based on this study we suggested certain teaching-learning improvements that vocational education and training institutes themselves can carry out, and certain policy improvements the government should initiate.
The suggestions arising from this research are as follows. First, the institutes should be specialized, and should make a concentrated investment in their programs. It is also important to recruit trainers who have practical qualifications and to support continuous training as well as improve labor conditions. Next, institutes should make use of needs analysis results and apply these to the teaching-learning process. To close gaps between trainees, it is also necessary to increase interaction between trainers and trainees, and to support supplementary or enrichment programs. In addition, management experience and knowhow should be accumulated systematically and directly linked to the institutes' capabilities. The role of government should be to strengthen career counseling and information infrastructures to help trainees and others make more informed choices. Finally, it is necessary to improve policies to attract qualified institutes to the industry, and to prevent untrustworthy institutes from entering it. Moreover, the number of programs should be limited to a more reasonable level.