Vocational Education at the Crossroads. The Case of Taiwan.

Overview & Synopsis

Programs and curricula in vocational education in Taiwan have traditionally been linked to the nation's priority of economic development. The current vocational education system originated in the 1950s. In the 1970s, public free education was extended from 6 years of elementary school education to include an additional 3 years of junior high school. Vocational education at the junior high level was phased out, with all vocational education being placed at the senior high level. By 1980, enrollment in vocational education programs accounted for 68 percent of secondary school enrollments. New curriculum standards, implemented in 1986 for industrial and marine education and in 1988 for agricultural, business, nursing, and home economics education, stressed a broader academic foundation and technical skill competency. In 1989, more than a half million students were enrolled in vocational schools and 20 percent of employees were vocational school graduates. Recent social changes, such as a shortage of workers in traditional and high technology industry, the overburdened school curriculum, and changing career and education expectations of students, have led to new national education policies. The Ministry of Education has extended public free education from 9 to 12 years. The 12-year free public education system will begin for students entering senior high and vocational schools in 1993. According to projections, more than 60 percent of high school students will choose to attend vocational schools. (The document includes an appendix with nine statistical tables and figures.) (CML)