Preparation of Prospective Teachers for Career/Vocational Education. 1975-76 Exemplary Project in Career/Vocational Education. Final Report.

Overview & Synopsis

The Eastern Connecticut State College Exemplary Project provided a program of professional study in career/vocational education for future teachers to infuse career education in their ongoing classroom experiences. The emphasis of the specific objectives was primarily on potential teacher outcomes such as awareness, understanding, and the ability to describe, identify, and design certain types of educational experiences focusing on the career needs of students and the infusion of career and vocational education within current classroom experiences. The program included both classroom and hands-on experiences in a variety of career/vocational areas. The teachers were able to take three courses in the following areas which constitute a minor in career/vocational education: Curriculum in career education, career education practicum, and internship in a local business, industry, or trade. Project evaluation and data results indicated that students enrolled in the program showed significantly greater knowledge about career education than potential teachers who followed traditional liberal arts teacher education programs. Recommendations were made in the curriculum, administration, and resource areas for program implementation. (TA)