Applied Academic Skills in Vocational and Nonvocational Classrooms: A Classroom Observation and Focus Group Study

After 2 years of a 5-year pilot project to develop approaches to strengthen basic competencies of students enrolled in vocational programs in Oklahoma, two of the projects were reviewed. The study sought to: (1) document the incidence and level of basic skills instruction, along with the teaching methods and materials used, in the vocational and academic classrooms; and (2) assess the perceptions of vocational and nonvocational teachers of the two participating sites. Classroom observations were conducted in 29 classrooms by one observer, using the techniques in "The Dynamics of Secondary Vocational Classrooms" (Weber et al., 1988). Focus groups were conducted for teachers at each site. The results of classroom observation and focus group study indicated that basic academic competencies are being addressed in the vocational and nonvocational classrooms. Applied methodology is becoming a part of academic instruction, and basic skills integration is becoming a part of vocational instruction. Teachers support the project and have noted a number of positive outcomes, such as positive changes in student performance and self-esteem, changes in the ways teachers approach teaching, and increased awareness of and communication among teachers. Finally, there was hope that support would continue to be given to the project. (KC)