Graduate and employer perspectives on course efficacy - A study of VET in a developing economy

Abstract

The challenge for technical and vocational education and training (TVET) educators including those in developing economies such as Malaysia, in the light of globalisation and education reforms (ANTA; 2003; Dai, 2000; Misko, 2006; MOHE, 2007; NCEE, 2007; Teo, 1998), is to ensure that TVET remains relevant. This inevitably calls for the evaluation of the efficacy of courses and training programs. This study emerged as a response to this need. The aim of this study was to investigate, from the perspectives of graduates and employers, the efficacy of selected courses in relation to their effectiveness in preparing graduates for employment and/or further education as well as the acquisition of generic skills. Comparisons between the two stakeholders' perspectives were also conducted. This was achieved by an evaluative case study of the efficacy of two courses conducted by a polytechnic in Malaysia. The study addressed the effectiveness of the polytechnic's Food Technology courses in preparing graduates for employment and/or further education as well as the effectiveness of these courses in helping them acquire generic skills. Additionally, it discussed participants' recommendations for course improvement and the implications of these perspectives for the food technology courses in Malaysia as well as for technical and vocational education and training in general.