A quantitative and qualitative study of the perceptions and beliefs of vocational coordinators, employers, and students regarding the effectiveness of work-based learning

Growing concern over the survival of work-based learning classes and placements has prompted this research study. The study was designed to determine if there were common perceptions and beliefs about work-based learning among the stakeholder groups. The stakeholders included in the study were the students, coordinators, and employers. Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered using a mailed questionnaire. All school systems reporting work-based learning programs in a mid-south state were given the opportunity to participate. The sample consisted of 143 total participants. Fifty-six students, 53 coordinators, and 34 employers representing the career and technical areas of agriculture, family and consumer science, health science, information technology, marketing, and trade and industry responded. The first research question was addressed with the quantitative data which determined whether there were significant differences in the perceptions, self-reported effectiveness and beliefs among stakeholder groups. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) revealed a significant difference in the three test variables collectively. Further post hoc tests revealed significance among some stakeholder groups based on the independent variables. The qualitative data supported the quantitative findings, and revealed evidence of successes in the area of work-based learning. The second research question, (Is work-based learning effective?), was answered with the qualitative data. The qualitative research also uncovered various student motivations for participating in the program and the need for better guidelines and communication between all stakeholders. Further implications of the findings and suggestions for further study are discussed in the paper.