scholarly journals A Qualitative Study of the Feasibility and Acceptability of Implementing ‘Sit-To-Stand’ Desks in Vocational Education and Training

Author(s):  
Mara Kirschner ◽  
Rianne H.J. Golsteijn ◽  
Sanne M. Sijben ◽  
Amika S. Singh ◽  
Hans H.C.M. Savelberg ◽  
...  

While it has been shown that interrupting a person’s sedentary behaviour has the potential to improve cognitive, physical and mental health, a large part of time that students spend in school is sedentary. As research has shown that approximately 80% of vocational education and training (VET) students have an unhealthy sedentary lifestyle, implementing “sit-to-stand” (StS) desks could interrupt sedentary behaviour and promote healthier behaviour. Therefore, the acceptability and feasibility of using such desks in the VET setting should be investigated. Using semi-structured focus group interviews analysed via deductive content analysis, the opinions of 33 students for the following topics were assessed: (1) usage of the standing option of the desks (2) reasons for standing in class (3) experienced effect of standing behind the desk, and (4) fostering future StS desks usage. Although VET students are aware of the potential benefits of using StS desks, they need to be actively stimulated and motivated by teachers to use them. In addition, time is needed to get into the habit of standing. Thus, for successful implementation of StS desks in the VET setting, all stakeholders (i.e., students, teachers, schoolboards) should be actively involved in stimulating the healthy behaviour of VET students.

2015 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-71
Author(s):  
Alzira Manuel ◽  
Oleg Popov ◽  
Domingos Buque

The current situation of Mozambique, characterized by limited but highly needed Formal Vocational Education, demands the development and improvement of Non-formal Vocational Education and Training (NFVET). NFVET can provide relevant knowledge and skills, particularly for out of school and unemployed youth and adults to promote social inclusion and development. This is a qualitative case study with some elements of action research. Semi-structured interviews with six educators, classroom observations and two focus group interviews with former participants were implemented. The research aims to explore ways by which NFVET programmes can be improved in order to increase people’s chances, not only to get work, but also to be able to participate actively in their own process of development. The findings suggest some directions for the improvement of NFVET in Mozambique in order to empower people to actively participate in the social and economic life of their local communities and broader society. Key words: empowerment, life skills, non-formal vocational education, social inclusion.


2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (02) ◽  
pp. 2328-2334
Author(s):  
John Nehemiah Marwa ◽  
Hanifah Jambari ◽  
Ishak Taman ◽  
Nur Hazirah Noh@Seth ◽  
Mohd Zolkifli Abdul Hamid ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 107
Author(s):  
Liudmyla I. Berezovska ◽  
Galyna D. Kondratska ◽  
Anna A. Zarytska ◽  
Kateryna S. Volkova ◽  
Taras M. Matsevko

This article sets sights on highlighting the effectiveness and efficiency of higher and vocational education and training, as well as exploring ways to address and implement the current reform agenda in the field. The research was conducted on the basis of a generalizing and comparative method, to identify the problems and development of vocational and higher education. Within the framework of the conducted research the current state of vocational and higher education has been characterized; the features of online learning at leading universities and its advantages has been clarified; the prospects of introduction of continuity of education have been studied, for the development of personality abilities, taking into account changes in society in the context of improvement of the system of vocational and higher education caused by the European integration process of education; directions for the development of vocational and higher education as part of the national education system and society in general have been outlined. It is determined, that at the present stage the domestic education system should be improved and transferred to an innovative way of development in accordance with developed countries. In the near future, such modern forms of education as: distance education, dual education, continuing vocational education and others, should be improved and implemented into the educational process.


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