Vocational Education and Training Through Open Distance Learning : Challenges and Strategies

Abstract

In this paper, the need for skill training has been highlighted; and the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) model of providing Vocational Education and Training (VET) has been presented. The challenges faced by VET have been briefly mentioned and some significant aspects of VET has been discussed. The paper presents in detail a project which is being carried out by NIOS in the State of Uttarakhand, to assess the vocational aptitude of learners. For this purpose four tests have been designed and developed viz., (1) General Awareness Test, (2) Mental Ability Test(Verbal), (3) Mental Ability Test (Non-verbal), and (4) Vocational Aptitude Test. These tests were administered on a pilot basis to a batch of six hundred students in Uttarakhand. The paper discusses the outcome of these tests and the methodology how the aptitude of the learner is identified and relevant vocational course is allotted scientifically keeping the ability, aptitude and interest in view, as obtained from the test. // The concerns and future strategies for providing VET to potential learners through appropriate technologies and innovations in curriculum and assessment as well as providing contextual learning and “Hands-on” experience and practical training under the guidance of master craftsmen has been discussed in the paper. // Paper ID 593