| Scope and method of study. The purpose of this study was to compare some aspects of vocational technical education programs in Zimbabwe and those of Oklahoma to determine implications for program development. An extensive search of literature sources, institutional documents and interviews provided the basis of the study. Interviews were conducted with eight vocational technical college administrators in Zimbabwe and Oklahoma. Three administrators in Zimbabwe were deputy principals of vocational technical colleges designated by their principals, and the chairman of the technical education department at the University of Zimbabwe. The four administrators from Oklahoma were superintendents of career and technology centers.;Findings and conclusions. Literature sources, institutional documents and interviews responded to four major research questions regarding program mission and delivery, organization of vocational technical education, strengths, and trends. The mission of vocational technical education in Zimbabwe is to develop the nation and is in line with the country's initial ideology of scientific socialism. The mission of Oklahoma vocational technical education is development of individuals reflecting the state and country's free private enterprise system. The Zimbabwe programs are run by the national government while the Oklahoma programs are run locally. Vocational technical education programs in Oklahoma have been used as a model by a number of other countries. Zimbabwe could contextualize some of the findings from the Oklahoma programs in the following areas: the empowerment of local programs, a thorough integration of academic education and vocational technical education, a high level of professional development for vocational educators and adequate funding of vocational technical education. |
