The Role of Environment and Information in Student’s Decision to Choose Vocational Education

The Role of Environment and Information in Student’s Decision to Choose Vocational Education

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59966/setyaki.v3i1.1629

Keywords:

Vocational Education, Islamic Education, Motivation, Environmental Influences, Educational Support

Abstract

This study aims to explore the factors that influence students' decisions to pursue vocational education in grade XII of the Techno Scientist Excellent Madrasah Aliyah by using qualitative methods through interviews with eight students. The findings show that students are mainly motivated by the aspiration to acquire practical skills that are in line with the demands of the world of work. The main influencing factors include parental encouragement, teacher guidance, and peer influence, with teachers playing an important role as the main source of information regarding vocational prospects. However, students face challenges due to limited socialization efforts from both schools and government agencies, resulting in a lack of awareness about the benefits of vocational education. This gap contributes to the continued negative stigma surrounding vocational pathways. Students expressed the need for broader promotional efforts to improve public perception and strengthen their understanding of vocational training as a viable and strategic pathway to employment. Addressing this issue can significantly improve student engagement and community acceptance of vocational education.

References

Aldossari, A. S. (2020). Vision 2030 and reducing the stigma of vocational and technical training among Saudi Arabian students. Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training, 12(1), 3. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40461-020-00089-6

Al-Rahmi, A. M., Shamsuddin, A., Alturki, U., Aldraiweesh, A., Yusof, F. M., Al-Rahmi, W. M., & Aljeraiwi, A. A. (2021). The Influence of Information System Success and Technology Acceptance Model on Social Media Factors in Education. Sustainability, 13(14), 7770. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147770

Alvarez, L., Adona, I., Calago, R., Gaab, C., Plaña, X., Ratilla, E., & Rulona, J. (2024). The Effects Of Peer Influence On Students’ Motivation Psychology And Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal. Psychology And Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 22(6), 643–648. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12797744

Ansong, D., Okumu, M., Amoako, E. O., Appiah-Kubi, J., Ampomah, A. O., Koomson, I., & Hamilton, E. (2024). The role of teacher support in students’ academic performance in low- and high-stakes assessments. Learning and Individual Differences, 109, 102396. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2023.102396

Bentsalo, I., Loogma, K., Ümarik, M., & Väljataga, T. (2024). Challenges and Risk Factors of Early Leaving from IVET: Perceptions of Students and Schools´ Staff. Vocations and Learning, 17(2), 351–371. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12186-024-09345-2

Boateng, C., Ackon, F., & Nyarko, I. K. (2024). Factors Influencing Students’ Choice of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Pathway in the Central Region of Ghana. African Journal of Empirical Research, 5(4), 1826–1838. https://doi.org/10.51867/ajernet.5.4.152

Boonk, L. M., Ritzen, H., Gijselaers, H. J. M., & Brand-Gruwel, S. (2021). Stimulating parental involvement in vocational education and training (VET): A case study based on learning histories of teachers, principals, students, and their parents. Teaching and Teacher Education, 100, 103279. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2021.103279

Boud, D., & Solomon, N. (2001). Work-based Learning: A New Higher Education? Open Univ Pr.

Dai, J., Jambari, H., Noh, N. H., & Hisham, M. H. M. (2024). Information literacy research of technical and vocational education and training in China in the past 10 years: a systematic literature review. Frontiers in Education, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1442650

Eccles, J. S., & Wigfield, A. (2002). Motivational Beliefs, Values, and Goals. Annual Review of Psychology, 53(1), 109–132. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.psych.53.100901.135153

Eyadat, M., & Mustafa, H. (2023). The Challenges of Using Technology in Vocational Education and Their Impact on Students’ Achievement from the Teachers’ Point of View in Ramtha District Schools in Jordan. Journal of Curriculum and Teaching, 12(3), 25. https://doi.org/10.5430/jct.v12n3p25

Fouad, N. A., & Bynner, J. (2008). Work transitions. American Psychologist, 63(4), 241–251. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.63.4.241

Grundall, K., & Mack, A. (2023). Influencing Students’ Technical Vocational Education and Training Career Path: A Qualitative Research. Caribbean Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, 2(1), 165–198.

Grusec, J. E., & Davidov, M. (2007). Socialization in the Family: The Roles of Parents. In Handbook of socialization: Theory and research. (pp. 284–308). The Guilford Press.

Hadi, A., Aryani, E., Laras, P. B., & Ismail, A. Bin. (2023). Role of Peer Groups in Career Exploration of Generation Z in Responding to Work Transitions. Jurnal Kajian Bimbingan Dan Konseling, 8(2), 94–101. https://doi.org/10.17977/um001v8i22023p94-101

Hariko, R., & Anggriana, T. M. (2019). Reviewing the role of families in student career planning. Konselor, 8(1), 6. https://doi.org/10.24036/0201981102526-0-00

Hattie, J. (2008). Visible Learning: A Synthesis of Over 800 Meta-Analyses Relating to Achievement. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203887332

Heckman, J. J., & Rubinstein, Y. (2001). The Importance of Noncognitive Skills: Lessons from the GED Testing Program. American Economic Review, 91(2), 145–149. https://doi.org/10.1257/aer.91.2.145

Held, T., & Mejeh, M. (2024). Students’ motivational trajectories in vocational education: Effects of a self-regulated learning environment. Heliyon, 10(8), e29526. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29526

Jena, M., & Sahoo, B. (2024). Perception of Students and Teachers Towards Vocational Education In Secondary Schools. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention (IJHSSI), 13(3), 139–146. https://doi.org/10.35629/7722-1303139146

Jiao, Z. (2023). An Analysis of the Dilemma, Reasons, and Path of Social Recognition of Vocational Education in China. Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media, 29(1), 7–15. https://doi.org/10.54254/2753-7048/29/20231368

Juhaidi, A., Bainah, B., Tajudin, A., & Munadi, M. (2023). Islamic and Senior High Schools in School Market in Indonesia. Edunesia : Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan, 5(1), 296–311. https://doi.org/10.51276/edu.v5i1.673

Lent, R. W., Brown, S. D., & Hackett, G. (1994). Toward a Unifying Social Cognitive Theory of Career and Academic Interest, Choice, and Performance. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 45(1), 79–122. https://doi.org/10.1006/jvbe.1994.1027

Magee, M., Kuijpers, M., & Runhaar, P. (2022). How vocational education teachers and managers make sense of career guidance. British Journal of Guidance & Counselling, 50(2), 273–289. https://doi.org/10.1080/03069885.2021.1948970

Muslim, Giatman, M., Syah, N., Hidayat, N., & Wagino. (2023). The Role of Vocational Education in the Student Career Development Process. Indonesian Journal of Educational Research and Review, 6(2), 330–342. https://doi.org/10.23887/ijerr.v6i2.59294

Ndukwe, I. G., & Daniel, B. K. (2020). Teaching analytics, value and tools for teacher data literacy: a systematic and tripartite approach. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 17(1), 22. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-020-00201-6

Niittylahti, S., Annala, J., & Mäkinen, M. (2023). Student engagement profiles in vocational education and training: a longitudinal study. Journal of Vocational Education & Training, 75(2), 372–390. https://doi.org/10.1080/13636820.2021.1879902

Pan, H., Wang, G., Gao, W., & Liu, X. (2025). Vocational Education, Skill Formation, and Social Development. Education Sciences, 15(1), 107. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15010107

Prasetya, L. A., Herwanto, H. W., & Yoto, Y. (2024). Development of Learning Modules for Electric Power Plant Machinery for Class XI Phase F of Electric Power Plant Engineering Expertise Program in Vocational Schools. IJECA (International Journal of Education and Curriculum Application), 7(3), 279. https://doi.org/10.31764/ijeca.v7i3.26218

Rice, S., Gillis, S., Dawborn-Gundlach, M., van Driel, J., Koh, S., & Speldewinde, C. (2024). Vocational teachers in school settings: career pathways and motivations. Journal of Vocational Education & Training, 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1080/13636820.2024.2372773

Rigopoulos, T., Papakitsos, Dr. E. C., & Karakiozis, K. (2021). The Parental Influence on the Educational and Vocational Decisions of Adolescents: A Retrospection of International Research. Cross-Currents: An International Peer-Reviewed Journal on Humanities & Social Sciences, 7(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.36344/ccijhss.2021.v07i01.001

Rosantono, I. G., Wijanarka, B. S., Daryono, R. W., & Nurtanto, M. (2021). Analysis of the Influencing Factor of Vocational Education Students Career Decisions. Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Pengajaran, 54(3). https://doi.org/10.23887/jpp.v54i3.37343

Rosina, H., Virgantina, V., Ayyash, Y., Dwiyanti, V., & Boonsong, S. (2021). Vocational Education Curriculum: Between Vocational Education and Industrial Needs. ASEAN Journal of Science and Engineering Education, 1(2), 105–110. https://doi.org/10.17509/ajsee.v1i2.33400

Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.68

Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2017). Self-Determination Theory: Basic Psychological Needs in Motivation, Development, and Wellness. Guilford Press. https://doi.org/10.1521/978.14625/28806

Sadoughi, M., & Hejazi, S. Y. (2021). Teacher support and academic engagement among EFL learners: The role of positive academic emotions. Studies in Educational Evaluation, 70, 101060. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stueduc.2021.101060

Savickas, M. L. (2005). The Theory and Practice of Career Construction. In Career development and counseling: Putting theory and research to work. (pp. 42–70). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Schuster, K., & Margarian, A. (2021). Vocational training choice from a regional perspective. Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training, 13(1), 3. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40461-020-00105-9

Stellmacher, A., Franz, S., & Paetsch, J. (2025). Career choice motivation, academic and social integration, and their relationship with intention to drop out of vocational teacher training. Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training, 17(1), 6. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40461-025-00182-8

Sudira, P. (2019). The Role Of Vocational Education In The Era Of Industrial Automation. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1273(1), 012058. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1273/1/012058

Suharno, Pambudi, N. A., & Harjanto, B. (2020). Vocational education in Indonesia: History, development, opportunities, and challenges. Children and Youth Services Review, 115, 105092. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105092

Super, D. E. (1980). A life-span, life-space approach to career development. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 16(3), 282–298. https://doi.org/10.1016/0001-8791(80)90056-1

Suyitno, S., Jatmoko, D., Primartadi, A., Ratnawati, D., & Abizar, H. (2024). The role of social support on vocational school students’ career choices. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE), 13(1), 271. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v13i1.26269

Syahputra, M. R., Nasution, W. N., & Mesiono. (2023). Management of Development of Madrasah Aliyah Plus Skills In Increasing Competitiveness In The Society 5.0 Era (Multicite Study at Madrasah Aliyah Negeri Plus Skills In Langkat District). Edukasi Islami: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 12(2), 1915–1928. https://doi.org/10.30868/ei.v12i02.4499

Tinto, V. (1994). Leaving college: Rethinking the causes and cures of student attrition (2nd ed). University of Chicago Press. https://doi.org/10.7208/chicago/9780226922461.001.0001

Trilling, B., & Fadel, C. (2009). 21st century skills: Learning for life in our times. In 21st century skills: Learning for life in our times. Jossey-Bass/Wiley.

Vautero, J., Taveira, M. do C., Silva, A. D., & Fouad, N. A. (2021). Family Influence on Academic and Life Satisfaction: A Social Cognitive Perspective. Journal of Career Development, 48(6), 817–830. https://doi.org/10.1177/0894845320902270

Wentzel, K. R. (1999). Social-motivational processes and interpersonal relationships: Implications for understanding motivation at school. Journal of Educational Psychology, 91(1), 76–97. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0663.91.1.76

Wigfield, A., & Eccles, J. S. (2000). Expectancy–Value Theory of Achievement Motivation. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 25(1), 68–81. https://doi.org/10.1006/ceps.1999.1015

Downloads

Published

2025-02-27

Issue

Section

Artikel
Loading...