Success factors for integrating applied research in vocational education and training

Authors

  • Diane Burt

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56007/arrivet.v1i3.61

Keywords:

applied research, experiential learning, vocational education and training

Abstract

Vocational education and training institutions can enhance and enrich student learning while serving the socioeconomic needs of communities by integrating applied research as a form of experiential learning in program curriculum. Applied research provides students with opportunities to engage directly with community or industry partners on real-world problems as they apply both technical and employability skills. This paper explores the successful experiences and proven practices of ten Canadian colleges and recommendations on how they may be applied in other educational institutions. The findings resulted in a framework of success factors for effectively utilizing applied research and innovation to enrich the student learning experience, with a focus on applied research as a pedagogical approach. The factors are: (1) institutional commitment and leadership; (2) instructor development and support; (3) learning approaches; and (4) internal and external collaboration. Also, as an institution’s engagement in applied research evolves, there should be consideration of and investment in strategic factors beyond the pedagogical application. The framework guides the implementation of applied research in vocational education and training. Recommendations may be translated into practice, informing policy, programming and organizational decisions, and benefiting vocational education providers seeking to improve teaching and learning methods and outcomes while contributing to the socioeconomic needs of their region.

Author Biography

Diane Burt

I live in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, and I am currently the Director of Research, Innovation and Experiential Education at NBCC. I started up our applied research office in 2012 and we are celebrating ten years of success this month. My field of expertise is applied research in a broad sense as I have been guiding and supporting the college’s research programs across a number of areas, such as healthcare, digital technology, and social innovation. I also teach part-time in a Master’s program in Education. My specific areas of expertise include teaching and learning, adult education, faculty development, leadership development, change management and organizational development. I have an EdD in educational leadership, an MEd in Adult Education, a BEd in Education and a BA in English. I feel I can contribute most to the board from a general research, writing and APA format perspective.

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Published

2026-07-09

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 3 (2026): ARRIVET - Applied Research Results in Vocational Education and Training magazine

Section

e. Training for Vocations – the “applied research/training for vocation nexus” including applied research in pedagogy, building teacher capacity, learning development, and building student capacity

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