The German Dual System of Vocational Education and Training

Description

Concept by Francesco Molinari

Teachers and stakeholders in education often face the pivotal challenge of integrating theory and practice in school curricula.

Not only are theory and practice deeply intertwined, but also they are key to developing students’ competencies and self-knowledge, providing students with an introduction to potential career paths. However, designing dual courses of study requires innovative ideas and structure.

In this course, participants will have the chance to explore the German dual system of education, which has been successfully implemented for several years with growing effectiveness. Participants will analyze the dual method and create their own action plans to provide students with successful learning experiences in which vocational elements are an integral part of the degree program.

By the end of this course, participants will have acquired a full understanding of the dual method, awareness concerning the importance of integrating theory and practice in educational systems, and strategies to implement successful training experiences in their own learning environments.

Learning outcomes

The course will help the participants to:  

• Understand how the dual system works and which are the aims of this educational program; 
• Get a clearer perception concerning the activities and the implementation of the program; 
• Understand how the deployment of the dual system contributes to reducing the unemployment rate and school dropout; 
• Understand how the collaboration between companies and educational institutions improves educational skills; 
• Implement the dual system abroad and how to adapt it to the different educational environments.

Tentative schedule

Day 1 – Course introduction & intro to the dual system of vocational education

Course introduction

• Introduction to the course, the school, and the external week activities;
• Icebreaker activities using drama for trust and ensemble building;
• Identification of needs and goals for each participant and relevant populations.

Intro to the dual system of vocational education

• Description of the fundamentals of the dual system of vocational education and training in Germany;
• Looking at some practical experiences;  
• Presentations of the participants’ schools.

Day 2 – Encompassing learning methods

• The advantages of integrating theoretical study;
• Practical training in education, looking at peculiar training programs.

Day 3 – Positives of the dual system

• How the dual system positively influences the labor market and contributes to seeking the unemployment rate, illustration of successful examples. 

Day 4 – Evaluating results of activities

• Competences and prerequisites to achieve a successful training experience;
• How to evaluate the results of training activities on students;
• Workshop: selection and evaluation methods for students applying for a dual system. 

Day 5 – Introducing the dual system abroad

• How to implement the dual system abroad, discussion about similar programs in other countries;
• Workshop: how to introduce the dual system in the framework of different educational programs.

Day 6 – Course closure & cultural activities

• Course evaluation: round-up of acquired competencies, feedback, and discussion;
• Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance;
• Excursion and other external cultural activities.