ABSTRACT of Thesis by
Karl Axisa and James Cassar

This work compiles a comparative model of the various methods of initial technical teacher training adopted across members of the European community. A brief outline of the major trends and concepts embraced by the countries under study has been gathered to highlight recent developments across Europe effecting vocational education, in particular the technical teacher. This makes it possible also to compare the results with the methods employed in the local scenario of technical teacher training in view of reforms proposed resulting from Malta's application to become a full member state of the EU together with the pressure dictated by the global economy. This brings into the picture the proposed Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology, under which the principles of future vocational education in Malta will be founded. Findings of this work reveal how the local technical teacher situation is following similar tracks experienced by European counterparts including also the problems lurking in this sector.

Furthermore, the study identifies the problems faced by the technical teachers of post-secondary education in Malta, from initial training to employment, associating local methods with foreign solutions.

B.Ed. (Hons.)
May 2002

Supervisor: Professor Ronald G. Sultana (Ph.D. Waikato, N.Z.)

Keywords:
Teacher Training
Technical Education
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
European Union (EU)

" A full version of the thesis may be viewed at the Education Division Resource Centre. Contact tel. No: 25982410 / 25982316"