REFLECTIVE TEACHING FOR EFFECTIVE TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING INSTRUCTIONAL DELIVERY IN A KNOWLEDGE-BASED ECONOMY

Abstract

Today’s world is currently knowledge-based due to globalization which brought information and communication technology into being. This paper highlights the concept of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), its objectives and training areas. The paper discussed the concept of knowledge-based economy, the pillars of knowledge-based economy, and the characteristics of knowledge-driven economy. The paper also discussed instructional strategies for effective delivery of TVET in knowledge-based economy. The paper affirms that reflective teaching model allows teachers to closely and critically observes all that goes on in the class and enables the teacher to examine his/her work in order to consider alternative ways of ensuring that students learn thereby encouraging joint construction of knowledge. The paper also looked at the characteristics, benefits and limitations of reflective learning. Conclusively, the paper suggested among other that: teachers should constantly question their aims and actions because they need to be clear on what they want to achieve and how they intend to achieve it; the curriculum of TVET should include training on effective communications in an increasingly technical and knowledge-driven environment. It should also include training on willingness to take on responsibility, collaborative work skills, innovation, critical thinking and problem-solving.