News Item
18.5 million DKK for stronger research environments in vocational education
Six research projects have received funding from Independent Research Fund Denmark to strengthen and develop the quality of vocational education and support research in work-related pedagogy and practice-based learning in the preparatory basic education and training.
Sustainability in the educations, an examination of students' narratives, and the cooperation between vocational schools and municipalities are among the topics these six research projects explore.
»Despite the narrow framework of this call, there are many different theoretical and methodological angles on the issues. For example, there is a focus on the narrative surrounding vocational education but also on the role of teachers in making vocational education an attractive choice,« says Ane Qvortrup, chair of the thematic committee, DFF | Thematic Research - Primary schools and vocational education, which assessed the applications for the call.
A two-part call
The funds allocated to the six research projects are part of a thematic allocation which is a political initiative and are divided into two smaller calls.
One portion of the call is designated to strengthen and develop the quality and attractiveness of vocational education and build stronger, more practice-oriented research specific to vocational education.
The other part is allocated to support research in work-related pedagogy and practice-based learning in preparatory basic education and training and is intended to enhance teachers' knowledge of practical approaches to learning.
»The aim of the fund is to strengthen research in vocational education, which is generally a less prioritized research area. These six new, exciting research projects could help to improve and develop the quality of research in this field, thereby contributing to making vocational education more appealing,« says Søren Serritzlew, chair of Independent Research Fund Denmark.
Facts about the call ‘Stronger research environments for vocational education and work-related pedagogy and practice-based learning’
The fund received a total of 16 applications, and funding was granted to six projects. The success rate is 34.7% in terms of the amount and 37.5% in terms of the number of applications.
The call ‘Stronger research environments for vocational education and work-related pedagogy and practice-based learning’ is part of the thematic allocations which is a political, strategic initiative within a particular theme open to contributions from all scientific fields that can provide knowledge on the topic. Thematic research serves as a supplement to independent research based on researchers’ own curiosity-driven initiatives.
The call is split into two parts, with 19.7 million DKK allocated to strengthen and develop the quality and attractiveness of vocational education and to build a stronger, practice-oriented research environment around vocational education. Additionally, 9.9 million DKK was allocated to support research in work-related pedagogy and practice-based learning in preparatory basic education and training.
The fund has awarded a total of 18.5 million DKK. The thematic committee determined there were not enough qualified applications to distribute all available funds.
Since 2018, Independent Research Fund Denmark has awarded research grants within politically determined themes funded by annual political agreements on the distribution of research reserves.