THE PREPARATION OF LAO EDUCATION FOR ASEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY IN 2015: THE CASE STUDY OF PRIVATE VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to study the preparation of Lao PDR’s education for the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), which will formally come into existence in 2015. The research focuses on the preparation of Lao PDR’s private vocational schools and colleges in Vientiane Capital and the city of Savannakhet because this aspect of education is crucial for the development of workforce for the expected economic expansion of Laos when the country becomes part of the AEC in 2015. The sampling for this study consists of 80 teachers in private vocational schools and colleges, together with a limited number of investors in private education and directors of private vocational schools and colleges. The study tools include questionnaires for the teachers and in-depth interviews for investors and directors. The research found that Lao PDR’s preparation for the AEC through its private vocational education ranges from the medium to high levels. The highest level of preparation was found in the curriculum, because the private vocational schools and colleges have introduced new technologies to vocational teaching and learning and their focus on real practice to develop skills. The next level of preparation is found in administration and management because the private sector in education places emphasis on the quality of vocational education, as well as the creation of social value and confidence in this type of education. At the same time it is emphasized by the private sector that private education must go hand in hand with that provided by the state. Private vocational education suffers most from its shortages in matters relating to premises for teaching and learning since it lacks budget and sufficient support from the state sector. Moreover, in addition to lack of privileges in any form, the private education sector does not have an opportunity to participate in the formulation of educational policy, and this has in part accounted for those shortages it has been suffering from.