How can you teach vocational skills while encouraging innovation in your students?

Making education relevant to students is a major element of good education. What has helped my students and me to achieve this goal is using case scenarios often inspired by real-world situations. After the class has been given the information/tools to solve problems, they are presented with a real-world problem to test their new skills and knowledge. Through this process, I have noticed that the information/tools are better understood and more likely to be ingrained into the students' longer-term memory.

Teaching vocational skills with an innovation focus involves a holistic approach, incorporating practical training, critical thinking exercises, and cultivating a creative mindset. Strategies include real-world projects, encouraging inventive solutions, and integrating problem-solving activities to enhance teamwork and interdisciplinary exploration. Industry partnerships provide exposure to challenges and mentorship, while technology integration inspires creativity. Critical thinking development fosters analytical problem-solving, and professional development opportunities ensure students stay current in their field, contributing not only to vocational excellence but also to advancements in the industry.

Innovation is an essential element in a student’s development. This skill should be encouraged, nurtured, and groomed in the classroom. I try to achieve this by asking students challenging questions. Additionally, I choose to make creative and innovative solutions the end goal of most assignments and class discussions.

John Dewey's approach to skills-based sustainability education is still valid today. Dewey's teachings indicated that certain skill sets were significant regardless of the student's career. These skills are critical thinking, systems thinking, communication, and collaboration. Although these skills are not specific to a career, their competency within these skills should indicate their holistic educational progress. Encouraging students to have competent skills that can translate to their desired careers would mean they are better placed to excel. Developing these skills needs not only to be an item within the curriculum, but it can also come in the form of classroom competitions and other forms of student engagement.