A study on Development & Problems of Vocational High School in Taiwan

[[abstract]]The main purpose of this study is to explore the background, current conditions, transformation, future trend of development, and questions of vocational high school in Taiwan. Suggestions will be offered based upon the research findings. This study uses literature analysis, questionnaires, and interviews. First, I analyze related issues of vocational high school from educational, philosophical, sociological, economical, psychological, and political perspectives. In addition, I study trends and experiences of vocational high school development in foreign countries and its implications on Taiwan, including Great Britain, the United States, Germany, France, Japan, and Australia. The literature review provides me with a conceptual framework for my research. Second, a “Questionnaire for Development and Problems of Vocational High School” was created to understand viewpoints of educational administrators, school principals, school administrators, and teachers. Out of 1095 surveys, 788 valid questionnaires were received. A response rate is 71.9%. Third, 12 interviews were conducted to gather a deeper understanding of issues associated with vocational high school development. Interviewees include scholars, industry representatives, and principals of vocational high school. According to the analyses of literature review, questionnaires, and interviews, I conclude 10 findings as follows: 1. Vocational high school education should put the same emphasis both on students’ academic advancement and career placement. 2. Vocational high school education needs to function as the lifelong education instead of termination. 3. Vocational high school education should emphasize educational opportunity for minority students. 4.The post-secondary education should emphasize the tracking and integration of vocational high school education, comprehensive high school, and senior high school. 5. Vocational high school should attain quality education. 6. Vocational high school education must emphasize community service, and cooperation between the academy and industry. 7. The entrance examination system of vocational high school should be more diversified. 8. The characteristics of vocational high school education should include wholeness, regionalism, and individuality. 9. The mechanism of vocational high school should be more autonomous and self-regulating. 10. The future of vocational high school should be more important and competitive. This study is concluded by providing suggestions to educators regarding policy making and implementation associated with vocational high school development. Further research is also suggested to broaden an understanding of related issues.