Quality in vocational education for higher technicians in Hong Kong

Abstract

Concerns in society about public accountability and the demand for quality in industry and management also apply to institutions of higher learning and training. Vocational education is at a critical interface between the needs of a modern commercial and industrial society like Hong Kong and the aims of its education systems. The research in this study into the standards, quality and industry acceptability of the vocational course for higher technicians in the construction field is therefore timely and a potentially valuable resource for educational institutions in discerning how to meet growing societal expectations and demands, as well as to cope with ongoing changes. A secondary part of the research examines the effects of students entering the course at different levels of basic academic qualifications. The study reveals that students who have studied Form 7 perform better, in the study of the technician course, than those coming straight from Form 5. This Form 7 effect is found stronger in the early years and becomes less significant as student moves through. The study gives a hall account of the curricular evolution of the current higher diploma course in civil and structural engineering, and of the way the course is taught and managed. To suit the changes in education policy and the needs of society, the total student contact hours of the course have been reduced by 30 percent. The lecture hours have been substantially reduced while tutorials, workshop training and project classes have greatly expanded. With the great concern in society, the teaching has incorporated topics on the environment, safety and quality. The main body of the research examines the development, process, management and outcomes of the course from the point of view of quality, appropriateness and satisfaction. Through questionnaire surveys, interviews and group-discussions, a body of information and comment was built up. This body of information sketches the criteria for a quality course and formulates a quality model for vocational education of higher technicians in Hong Kong. The model encompasses categories of conformance, fitness-for-purpose, quality management and assurance, and teaching and learning. In conclusion, some pointers towards areas for further research are proposed.