Theorem 3: "Vocational education should provide students
with thinking habits - technical knowledge and scientific problem solving
skills - and the manipulative skills required in the occupation itself."
Yes I agree with theorem 3. My knowledge and training did not come from
vocational education but on the job training. However, my training encompasses
theorem 3. Coming from the pharmacy industry, I didn’t always have someone
looking over my shoulder, time was of essence, the ability to think and problem
solve was crucial. When patients dropped off prescriptions, I had to think, and
give an estimate on wait time. Having an idea on how long it will take comes
with assessing the situation at hand. If there were difficulties with insurance
cards, I had to troubleshoot the claim by getting the necessary information
from the patient or calling the insurance company to determine whether a claim
is going to be paid or is in need of a preauthorization. Completing mental
calculation to draw an IV for a patient awaiting medication to prevent
paralysis is another example of how manipulative skills are required.
I do not completely agree or disagree with because some people have a natural nack for vocational skills. And with thaat nack the problems solving part becomes automatic through trail and error.
ReplyDeleteI feel that CTE/vocational education should provide students with critical thinking skills, problem solving skills and hands-on skills needed in a variety of occupations. These are skills that are noted in the Workplace Readiness standards in all of our curriculum and there is a reason for that. They are all recognized as important. I believe we are missing the boat as instructors if we teach the skill without teaching how to problem solve and think critically at the same time. It is my belief that all of these go hand-in-hand.
ReplyDelete