Creating an inclusive educational environment for vocational learning: A tale of two cities

Abstract

One of the significant challenges facing vocational training institutions is the conundrum of providing the best possible learning outcomes to a diverse range of people using pedagogical practices and materials that by design demand uniformity in delivery approaches. In this paper, we examined a snapshot of perspectives from teachers and students in two distinctly different vocational training institutions, one in China and the other in Australia. Comments from participants revealed that flexible approaches to course delivery, the provision of a range of different types of learning materials, and institutional support in teacher training and curriculum design are vital elements in implementing an inclusive learning space for students. This paper proposes that a triad of interrelated elements, consisting of pedagogy, learning materials and institutions, are bound together by learning management systems that facilitate the creation of multi-modal course delivery approaches. We further contend that teaching practices that pigeonhole people as belonging to immutable categories of learning styles are outmoded and detract from creating inclusive learning environments. The findings from this study indicate that best practice approaches for developing truly engaging educational environments are rooted in the facilitation of individual autonomy in the learning process. The creation of opportunities for constructive interaction between learners is needed.