The coronavirus pandemic has created academic and social challenges for vocational students. It shows this year's research barometer of vocational schools. About half worry that the education they received wasn't that good during the coronavirus pandemic.
- Fortunately, we now have a more normal study routine, but it is important to observe students who may have knowledge gaps, says Minister for Research and Higher Education Henrik Asheim.
Research results show that vocational schools mostly dealt relatively well with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, but ...
In April and May, NOKUT (National Agency for Quality in Education) conducted research. It was a nationwide survey of students' opinions vocational schools on the quality of education. Approximately 8800 students responded to the survey.
The results show that vocational schools mostly coped relatively well with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, but many students faced both academic and social challenges. About half of students worry that the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened their education. The same is true for the percentage of people who see ONLINE learning as unmotivating. One in four replies that he is lonely.
It was a year marked by distance, little social contact and a lot of loneliness
- The fact that many students had a hard time during the pandemic is sad, but unfortunately not surprising. It was a year marked by distance, little social contact and a lot of loneliness. On the way to recovering from the pandemic, the goal must be that the satisfaction is at least as good as it was before the pandemic, says Asheim.
17 percent of respondents replies that it was difficult to complete education due to the pandemic.
- It is important that vocational schools follow students who have had a difficult start in education. The money can be used to catch up with supervisors and provide students with additional academic activities, says Asheim.
The vast majority of students believe that the education they receive is important
Vocational education must be close to practice and directly focused on professional life. The vast majority of students believe that the education they receive is important. In the survey, eight out of ten respond that they are gaining skills important in professional life.
- I am very happy with it. We have made it a priority to introduce educational offers and more places to study in vocational schools. Because we know that working life requires more qualified specialists. It's good that the students themselves think they are getting the appropriate education, says Asheim.
In the future, the government also wants to develop the vocational school sector. The government's ambition is for growth to be in line with the needs of working life.
- When the pandemic hit Norway, vocational schools were good at turning back quickly and offering needed education. We can take this experience with us. It is important that in the future, vocational schools are also prepared to deal with new crises and train skilled workers that we know will be needed, says Asheim.
