To vocationalize or not to vocationalize? That is the curriculum question

Abstract

The paper presents a framework within which curriculum options can be analyzed, with emphasis on the economics of choosing the vocational intensity of instruction. Empirical evidence is reviewed at the primary, secondary and university levels regarding the costs and benefits of alternative programmes. Such evidence indicates that the costs of vocational programmes are considerably higher than those of general education, while their benefits are comparable. The paper questions the validity of providing more efficient alternatives like purely vocational institutions or employment-based training.