Journal of Career and Technical Education 

About: Journal of Career and Technical Education is an academic journal. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Vocational education & Higher education. It has an ISSN identifier of 0888-8639. Over the lifetime, 244 publications have been published receiving 3973 citations.

The Modified Delphi Technique - A Rotational Modification

Abstract: This study describes and illustrates a modification of the Delphi technique that was designed to extend its applicability to large competency data sets The approach consisted of rotating sub-sets of a larger set of competencies through three sub-panels and then examining the viability of the approach The context of the study was the identification of competencies needed to update training requirements for 21st century plastering contractors Based on the outcomes of this study, the rotational approach represents a promising mechanism for extending the usefulness of the Delphi tool to larger data sets The findings also indicate that the factors that erode the validity and usefulness of traditional modified Delphi studies also negatively affect the rotational approach An obstacle facing many educators has been identifying an appropriate research methodology for developing curriculum when teaching vocational subjects This is especially true when a research topic is very broad and when new curricular areas are being developed In such situations there is often a large number of competencies to be evaluated by recognized experts in the content area A number of techniques have been used that are generally associated with the competency-based approach to curriculum development These include such tools as occupational analysis, DACUM (Developing a Curriculum), and the Delphi technique ( Finch & Crunkilton, 1989 ; Frykland, 1970 ; Miller, 1990 ; Rothwell & Kazanas, 1992 ) These techniques span a range of approaches from observing workers on the job to conducting meetings with workers to conducting analyses based on work previously conducted on related occupations ( Blank, 1982 ) Each technique has advantages and disadvantages, especially in dealing with diverse groups of experts involving relatively large data sets This manuscript describes a modification developed for use with the Delphi technique, which was selected for use in a curriculum competency study The Delphi technique was selected for use in this study due to its ability to obtain expert input from individuals who were widely dispersed geographically This technique has been used in a number of fields for long-range planning - including education, international affairs, transportation, leisure activities and the like ( McCampbell & Stewart, 1992 ) The Delphi survey technique was developed in the 1950s by two research scientists working at The Rand Corporation, Olaf Helmer and Norman Dalkey They developed the procedure as a tool for forecasting future events using a series of intensive questionnaires interspersed with controlled-opinion feedback ( Dalkey & Helmer,1993 ; McCampbell & Stewart, 1992 ; Weaver, 1971 ) Participants were solicited experts in the issues related to national defense such as forecasting probable bombing targets the Russian government might choose in the event of an attack on the United States ( Dalkey & Helmer, 1963 ) The Delphi begins with an open-ended questionnaire that is given to a panel of selected experts to solicit specific information about a subject or content area In subsequent rounds of the procedure, participants rate the relative importance of individual items and also make changes to the phrasing or substance of the items Through a series of rounds (typically three) the process is designed to yield consensus The modified Delphi technique is similar to the full Delphi in terms of procedure (ie, a series of rounds with selected experts) and intent (ie, to predict future events and to arrive at consensus) The major modification consists of beginning the process with a set of carefully selected items These pre-selected items may be drawn from various sources including related competency profiles, synthesized reviews of the literature, and interviews with selected content experts The primary advantages of this modification to the Delphi is that it (a) typically improves the initial round response rate, and (b) provides a solid grounding in previously developed work Additional advantages related to the use of the modified Delphi technique include reducing the effects of bias due to group interaction, assuring anonymity, and providing controlled feedback to participants ( Dalkey 1972a, 1972b, & Judd 1972 ) Brooks (1979) noted that three mailings are usually sufficient in order to arrive at consensus

Constructivism: The Career and Technical Education Perspective

Abstract: For over three-quarters of a century, the implicit learning theory underlying the curriculum and pedagogy of career and technical education has been behaviorism, but the emerging theory of constructivism may have implications for career and technical education practice in the future. Preparation of workers for entry into and advancement in the workplace of the next decade requires an educational program that provides not only job skills, as career and technical education did throughout the 1900s, but also higher order thinking, problem solving, and collaborative work skills. Classical behaviorist theory does not adequately address the latter kinds of learning, but constructivist theory may. Constructivist principles are examined in light of the fundamental requirements of career and technical education as we move into the new century with a new name for a redesigned profession. Of the three basic types of constructivism discussed, cognitive constructivism is most compatible with career and technical education. The authors recommend a more thorough examination of the relative efficacy of behaviorism and cognitive constructivism to serve as the learning theory on which to base career and technical education in the future. To embrace such a foundational change, leaders in the profession must re-think many of the fundamental assumptions underlying the mission, curriculum, and pedagogy of career and technical education. Perhaps such a rethinking is due.

The Delphi Technique: a research strategy for career and technical education

Abstract: Research literature in career and technical education is replete with studies using survey research as a means of seeking answers to any number of different questions. On occasion, however, one wishes to collect opinions of experts and, to the greatest extent possible, achieve consensus among them. For example, consensus among educators in a specific area about what technologies should be taught in today's technology-based world would be important to many educators and their students. This goal presents a unique research situation.

A Comprehensive Leadership Education Model to Train, Teach, and Develop Leadership in Youth

Abstract: The authors conducted a meta-analysis of the youth leadership development literature and were able to construct a conceptual model for teaching, training, and developing leadership in youth. After citing the need for leadership education, and the lack of information regarding leadership development for young people in career and technical education, the model is described in detail and proposed as a curriculum framework for teaching leadership to all students. The model consists of five dimensions and three stages of development. The five dimensions of the conceptual model are: (1) Leadership Knowledge and Information, (2) Leadership Attitude, Will, and Desire, (3) Decision Making, Reasoning, and Critical Thinking, (4) Oral and Written Communication Skills, and (5) Intra and Interpersonal Relations. The recommendation is made to allow the model to serve as the first step in developing a curriculum designed to teach leadership to youth in a formal setting.

Career Aspirations of Women in the 20th Century

Abstract: At various times throughout history, working women were viewed as immoral and unfeminine objects of pity. Some critics accused working women of being negligent mothers. Frequently, women employees were not taken seriously by their bosses, colleagues, or society(Nieva & Gutek, 1981). Having a career posed challenges for women due to their family responsibilities (Valdez & Gutek, 1987). Women were expected to perform duties as wife and mother, in addition to fulfilling their professional responsibilities. Some women experienced feelings of guilt or selfishness if they put their career interests first (Heins, Hendricks, & Martindale, 1982). Because women's work and family demands were simultaneous, these demands had a significant impact on women's careers (Valdez, & Gutek). As stated by Heins et al., "Achieving professional status may be more difficult for women than for men" (p. 455).