1) Connection of the curriculum between general high schools and vocational high schools
The curriculum of vocational high schools is composed of general subjects, such as Korean language, mathematics, science, and English, and subjects related to vocational training, such as farming, manufacturing, fishery, marine, domestic management. However, these two kinds of curriculum have not been efficiently integrated due to a lack of connection.
The connection of curriculum between general subjects and one related to
vocational training indicates a systematic integration with the cooperation of teachers of both general and vocational subjects. The responsibility of teachers of both subjects is to locate areas of the curriculum to be shared and to construct methodology that will be efficiently utilized in the process of integrated teaching.
For example, in a business class calculating and managing inventory stock is taught, in an English class the writing of reports and letters is taught, and in a mathematics class the computation of tax is taught.
2) Special contracted curriculum (Customized education and training)
Customized education training indicates a curriculum that is operated by an agreement between vocational training institutes and companies. This curriculum is usually composed of programs that are required by the companies. The companies provide scholarships, facilities, and equipment, if necessary, when they require a curriculum that is needed in the workplace.
Meanwhile, vocational training schools can educate employees of companies by request. In addition, vocational training schools can propose to companies programs that are related to the needs of the companies, and execute it with a contract.
By utilizing customized vocational education and training, human resources of a given area where demand is great can be nurtured efficiently and intensively. At the same time, students are provided with practical education and sometimes recruited through customized vocational training.
3) On-site education
On-site education indicates an overall educational program which purpose is to provide opportunity for the exploration of a field in which students are interested and for practical job experiences. It includes programs based in schools, such as visiting workplace and simulation lab, and ones based in companies, such as on-the-job training and internship.
On-site education tends to have referred, thus far, to on-the-job training;
however, the development of various programs of on-site education is needed to meet the various demands of schools, companies, communities, and students.
4) Simulation lab
Simulation lab is one of the educational methodologies that provide students with an environment similar to the workplace. Thus, students are provided with the opportunity to experience job training without actually visiting the workplace. Simulation lab is usually utilized in a situation where it is dangerous, or when it takes a long time to be carried out, or when it requires a great deal of money.
5) On-the-job training
On-the-job training indicates a type of learning that is performed in the workplace while students are at school. On-the-job training is stipulated in the Vocational Education Training Promotion Act, and specific clauses is
stipulated in a regulation of on-the-job training operation for schools' that was enacted in March 1999.
The important contents of the regulation is as follows:
Prior to the current statute, vocational training schools were obliged to administer on-the-job training without any connection between curriculum and training. However, with the current statute, vocational training schools are given discretion to decide on which academic term will be administered, to operate programs in various ways, and to select subjects by taking into account the conditions of schools and community. In this vein, credits earned by on-the-job-training are accredited with two semesters at the maximum and two credits at the minimum.
A cooperative center for schools and companies is needed to suggest the standard of credits and the selection of students. The center is also needed for an efficient management of the connecting curriculum.
Support for the evaluation of a curriculum is needed to promote the integration of on-the-job training into the regular curriculum.
6) Internships
Internship is part of the vocational education and training and provides students with an opportunity to experience practical training. Originally, internship programs used to be administered as a part of the educational curriculum for professionals, such as doctors, to obtain a professional
certificate. However, internship programs are currently being widely operated in other fields.
7) Teaching staff who is exclusively responsible for the cooperation between schools and companies
The teaching staff indicates personnel who are exclusively responsible for on-the-job training and the exchange of human resources and facilities with companies. Currently, the majority of the teaching staff is usually involved in other businesses, other than teaching; thus, it is recommended that personnel be assigned to positions solely for the duties mentioned above.
8) Center to support the establishment of venture businesses (An incubator for venture business)
This incubator center helps venture businesses establish a plan, development technology, and assist in researching the market. The main purpose of the center is also to help fledgling venture businesses grow by providing a variety of facilities and financial support.
Schools are considered the best place to prepare for such business, and through the support of professors and students, they are given the opportunity to conduct research in a new area of business and technology, thereby becoming a model of cooperative activity between schools and companies.
In the U. S and English speaking countries, it is already encouraged that
universities actively participate in establishing an incubator center for venture businesses. Especially in Australia, the Ministry of Education in each state gives top priority to systematic support for incubator centers for venture businesses.
In Korea, an incubator center for a venture business has been established in companies and universities with a support of Small & Medium Business Administration, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of Information and Communication, the Ministry of Science and Technology.
9) Recruitment of an adjunct teaching staff system
The purpose of an adjunct teaching staff system is to recruit an expert of industry as a teacher in vocational training high schools. This system reinforces the connection between schools and companies and promotes practical vocational training. Currently, in Korea, junior colleges, polytechnic universities, and universities implement this system.
10) Lifelong education teacher
The Lifelong Education Act stipulates that a system to nurture a professional for lifelong education is introduced to the curriculum of universities. By doing so, a quality lifelong education can be provided to people. In addition, it is also recommended that the teaching certificate of lifelong education be given to those who are currently teaching in various vocational education and training institutes. It will help enhance the quality of vocational training and expertise.
11) Semester of learning for teaching staff
A semester for learning program enables the teaching staff to obtain education in a company during vacation. Through this kind of learning program, teachers can enhance their teaching ability and obtain more hands-on experience by exchanging information and knowledge between vocational training schools and companies. This is one of the systems that strengthen the connection between schools and companies.
Currently, on-site learning programs are being implemented for one semester or two semesters in the workplace or in research institutes by agreement of universities and companies. Those who participate in the learning programs during vacations are given benefits upon promotion.
12) Sabbatical system
The purpose of a sabbatical system is to provide those who have taught for a certain amount of years in vocational training institutes with the opportunity to obtain long-term education for self-development. This, in turn, enhances the quality of vocational education. To be implemented efficiently, a leave of absence with full salary should be taken into consideration.
13) Industrial Education Promotion Act
The Industrial Education Promotion Act was established in 1963 for the promotion of industrial education. This Act states regulations on on-the-job training, facilities needed for experiments, the qualification of the teaching
staff in vocational training institutes, and the establishment of an inquiry commission in industrial education.