Insights and Outlooks: career learning in the final years of compulsory school

• Main Author: Bo Klindt Poulsen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2020-10-01
• Series: Education Inquiry
• Subjects: career learning; career theory; vet; educational choice; transition
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/20004508.2020.1713691

This article reports from a Danish research and development project on career learning in compulsory school. The aim of the project was to broaden the perspective on education and the world of work among pupils in the final years of compulsory school through career learning activities based on experience-based learning and reflection. To that end, teachers and guidance practitioners worked together with VET-schools, upper secondary schools and local companies in order for the pupils to both experience and sense different educational and occupational opportunities and systematically reflect on these experiences in connection with the subjects of the school and the pupils’ own self-insight. This article follows the pupils’ and teachers’ response to the type of career learning activities they took part in. A main finding is that the participating pupils experienced a change in their attitude towards VET-programmes and trade to a more positive view. Moreover, that this change seems to be based in the career learning approach on which the teachers and career guidance professionals founded the project activities, focusing on preparation, adaption and reflection. Additionally, that the career learning approach supported curiosity and openness in the pupils’ process of choosing upper secondary education.