Career Education and Vocational Training as Part of Expanded Core Curriculum for Primary Level Learners with Vision Impairment: A Qualitative Review

Abstract

The study was planned to evaluate the vocational training and carrier education opportunities for children with visual impairment (CWVI) at primary level. It was a descriptive qualitative inquiry. Semi structured interviews were used to gather data from randomly selected 16 vocational teachers including six males and 10 females working in 12 special education institutions of Punjab. Vocational teachers are available in 18 special education schools of CWVI and three devolved special education complex whereas approximately 170 special education centers have no vocational teachers in the field of visual impairment. An interview guide validated by five field experts was applied to conduct interview comprising eight queries about demographic information of informants and 14 open ended questions about existing vocational practices and career education. Data were analyzed by applying descriptive statistics. Thematic analysis was also carried out and nine themes and six sub-themes were derived. Results revealed that majority of vocational teachers are well qualified females teaching CWVI for more than 10 years. In-service training opportunities are limited and less effective. Although specific time is reserved for vocational training but still some students are deprived of resources and most of the vocational trades are outdated. The study recommended that pre service vocational trainings should be upgraded. Specialization in vocational diploma should be started in various disabilities. Remuneration for out dated vocational trade should be given to carrier education opportunities.