Article 2018

Characterisation of best practices in the development of cross-curricular competences in Vocational Education and Training: case study in the Basque Country

Journal of Vocational Education and Training
Journal · Vol. 70 · Issue 1 · pp. 47-65
Abstract

This paper presents the most important results of a research project aimed at gathering empirical evidence on current efforts to foster and develop cross-curricular competences (CCC) in Vocational Education and Training (VET) Centres located in the Basque Country (Spain). The case study research method was used, with data being gathered by means of a questionnaire completed by 473 teachers from 61 centres, as well as 16 group interviews with management teams, 16 discussion groups with students and 4 with teachers, and 3 in-depth interviews. Three general conclusions can be drawn from the results: (1) There is no common way of understanding or defining CCCs among the teachers–students–management teams of VET centres; (2) Cycles are the ideal context in which to develop processes of pedagogical change which incorporate work on CCCs in an integrated manner; and (3) Assessment continues to be the most problematic curricular element. The study also highlights a more specific set of conclusions related to organisational characteristics, the teaching–learning process and the dynamics of educational innovation. © 2017 The Vocational Aspect of Education Ltd.

Keywords

Author Keywords

pedagogy Curriculum innovation Competence Vocational education & training Learning Theory

Index Keywords

Author Affiliations
Department of Didactics and School Organization, Universidad del Pais Vasco, Leioa, Biscay, Spain
Department of Theory and History of Education, Universidad del Pais Vasco, Leioa, Biscay, Spain
Funding & Acknowledgements
Edge Hill University, EHU
This work was supported by the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) and Ikaslan (Association of Basque Public Vocational Education and Training Centres).
Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, EHU
This work was supported by the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) and Ikaslan (Association of Basque Public Vocational Education and Training Centres).
Universitat Politècnica de València, UPV
This work was supported by the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) and Ikaslan (Association of Basque Public Vocational Education and Training Centres).
References 10 References
1 Competency Based Education and Training A World Perspective, (2025)
2 Revista Iberoamericana De Educacion, (2017)
3 4th Basque Vocational Training Plan, (2014)
4 Biemans, Harm J.A., Towards competence-based VET: Dealing with the pitfalls, Journal of Vocational Education and Training, 61, 3, pp. 267-286, (2009)
5 Metodologia De La Investigacion Educativa, (2004)
6 Qualitative Research for Education an Introduction to Theory and Methods, (1998)
7 Assessment for Learning in Higher Education, (1995)
8 Learning the Treasure within, (1996)
9 Training and Learning for Competence, (2001)
10 Profesorado, (2009)
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