Higher vocational education teachers' capacity building in Jiangxi Province, China

Abstract

This study investigates the disparity in competencies among vocational school teachers in Jiangxi Province, China, focusing on the impact of differing educational backgrounds and work experience on capacity building. A qualitative approach was adopted, employing semi-structured interviews with twelve senior instructors from a higher vocational college in Jiangxi to understand their professional challenges and potential development needs. The findings reveal that heavy workloads, insufficient infrastructure, and limited access to training significantly hinder teachers’ capacity to implement technology-enhanced learning effectively. To address these issues, targeted recommendations include the customization of professional development programs, strengthening of school-enterprise partnerships, and infrastructural improvements. These insights hold implications for educational policymakers, administrators, and academics dedicated to advancing the quality of vocational education in China.