Vocational Education in Palestine: Challenges of the Present and Prospects for Development

Abstract

The current study aimed to identify the importance of vocational education in Palestine, the most prominent challenges facing vocational education in Palestinian schools, and to arrive at some educational measures and proposals to address these challenges. The researchers used the qualitative approach by analyzing the literature and previous studies specialized in the subject, and the interview to answer the study questions, and present recommendations and proposals. The study population consisted of all teachers, male and female, numbering (1505) teachers, in government schools in Palestine in the education directorates (Qalqilya, Jenin, Salfit, South Hebron, Jerusalem). The study sample was chosen intentionally and consisted of (25) teachers, male and female.

 The study results showed that vocational education is of great importance in improving the quality of educational outcomes, enhancing life, practical, technical, professional and entrepreneurial skills, and building a productive and independent Palestinian economy. The study also revealed some advice that can be presented to educational policy makers and decision-makers to improve community culture around vocational education and enhance student interest in it, such as strengthening the role of the media and awareness campaigns, strengthening community and private sector partnerships, providing clear paths for vocational education, developing the role of vocational guidance in schools, and conducting more periodic studies and research to evaluate and develop educational policies regarding vocational education. The study also revealed some challenges facing vocational education in Palestinian schools related to the failure of curricula to keep pace with developments and the labor market, weak qualification of specialized cadres, society's stereotypical and inferior view, limited financial and technical resources, and the absence of effective and early vocational guidance. The study reached some educational and practical measures necessary to advance vocational education in Palestinian schools, including developing curricula to suit market needs, building partnerships with local and international institutions, and enhancing the culture of community awareness towards education. Vocational education, providing ongoing training programs for specialized teachers, providing an attractive school environment and sound infrastructure, and developing educational policies that support vocational education. The study recommended adopting educational policies that support vocational education by developing curricula that focus on life skills and meet labor market needs, providing attractive schools, and promoting a culture of community awareness of vocational education among parents and students.