Vocational training vs. academic study

1. Work in pairs. Complete the table below. Use the suggested ideas and / or your own ideas.

(Làm việc theo cặp. Hoàn thành bảng dưới đây. Sử dụng các ý tưởng gợi ý và/hoặc ý tưởng của riêng bạn)

Suggested ideas:

* develop critical thinking skills

* develop research skills

* provide shorter duration of study

* develop practical skills

Answer:

2. Complete the conversation with the sentences In the box. Then practise it in pairs.

(Hoàn thành đoạn hội thoại với những câu trong khung. Sau đó thực hành nó theo cặp)

A. It’s the cost. Vocational training is much cheaper than university education.

B. I couldn‘t agree more. So, we’ve decided on the three main benefits: more practical, shorter, and cheaper.

C. Great! We're now ready to report to the class.

D. Now, let's think about one more benefit.

Nam: Let’s decide on the three main benefits of vocational training. First, I think it will help students develop practical skills.

Lan: I agree. Vocational courses are more practical than university courses.

Nam: What do you think is the second benefit?

Lan: I think it’s the short duration of study. Degree programmes at university usually go on for at least three years while vocational courses can last less than two years.

Nam: (1) ______________________________________

Lan: (2) ______________________________________

Nam: (3) ______________________________________

Lan: (4) ______________________________________

Answer:

Nam: Let’s decide on the three main benefits of vocational training. First, I think it will help students develop practical skills.

Lan: I agree. Vocational courses are more practical than university courses.

Nam: What do you think is the second benefit?

Lan: I think it’s the short duration of study. Degree programmes at university usually go on for at least three years while vocational courses can last less than two years.

Nam: (1) D. Now, let's think about one more benefit.

Lan: (2) A. It’s the cost. Vocational training is much cheaper than university education.

Nam: (3) B. I couldn‘t agree more. So, we’ve decided on the three main benefits: more practical, shorter, and cheaper.

Lan: (4) C. Great! We're now ready to report to the class.

3. Work in pairs. Talk about the benefits of academic study. Use the ideas in 1, the model in 2, and the tips above to help you.

(Làm việc theo cặp. Nói về lợi ích của việc học tập. Sử dụng các ý tưởng trong phần 1, mô hình trong phần 2 và các mẹo ở trên để giúp bạn)

Answer:

Student A: I think one of the main benefits of academic study is that it develops critical thinking skills.

Student B: Yes, I agree. Academic study involves a lot of analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of information, which helps students become more critical thinkers.

Student A: Another benefit is that it provides a broader education. While vocational training focuses on job-specific skills, academic study covers a wide range of subjects, including humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

Student B: That's true. And having a broader education can help students develop a range of transferable skills that can be applied in different fields.

Student A: Lastly, academic study provides an opportunity to pursue advanced degrees, which can lead to better job opportunities and higher earnings in the long run.

Student B: Absolutely. And pursuing an advanced degree can also help students specialize in a specific area of interest and gain expertise in their chosen field.

Student A: So, to sum up, the three main benefits of academic study are developing critical thinking skills, providing a broader education, and offering opportunities for advanced degrees.

Student B: Great! We're now ready to report to the class.

4. Work in groups. Discuss what kind of students / learners each option will be more suitable for. Give reasons for your decision. Report to the whole class.

(Làm việc nhóm. Thảo luận xem mỗi phương án sẽ phù hợp hơn với đối tượng học sinh/người học nào. Đưa ra lý do cho quyết định của bạn. Báo cáo với cả lớp)

Answer:

Option 1: Vocational Training

Suitable for: Students who prefer hands-on learning and practical application of skills. Vocational training is more focused on job-specific skills and can provide opportunities for immediate employment. This option is also suitable for students who are looking for shorter duration of study and want to save on the cost of education.

Option 2: Academic Study

Suitable for: Students who are interested in a broad range of subjects and want to develop critical thinking and research skills. Academic study provides a wider range of career paths and opportunities for pursuing advanced degrees. It also promotes personal and intellectual growth and helps build a strong foundation for future learning.

Ultimately, the choice between vocational training and academic study depends on the individual student's interests, goals, and learning preferences. Some students may find vocational training more suitable for their career goals, while others may prefer the broader education and research opportunities offered by academic study.