Case Studies and White Papers
Case studies and white papers are essential tools for organizations to document, analyze, and share knowledge from real-world experiences and research findings. Case studies delve into specific challenges, solutions, and outcomes, providing practical insights and lessons learned from applied projects. White papers offer authoritative, research-based perspectives on complex issues, guiding informed decision-making and fostering deeper understanding. By producing these resources, CETE not only highlights its commitment to transparency and continuous learning but also empowers stakeholders with actionable knowledge to address similar challenges in their own contexts.
Emphasizing Practical Learning in Career Technical Education
Rebecca Berenbon, PhD
Associate Psychometrician at the Center on Education and Training for Employment
Educators face the difficult task of keeping students motivated to learn the material at hand. Students come to class with a variety of interests and motivating factors; however, learners often share a desire to gain knowledge and skills that they can apply outside of school, as these topics feel more personally relevant. When students believe that what they are learning has utility, they are more likely to be interested—and therefore, motivated to learn (Hulleman et al., 2017). Career-technical education (CTE) students are particularly motivated by hands-on learning (Ausburn & Brown, 2006). Yet some instructors emphasize hands-on learning more than others. While past research has uncovered predictors of hands-on learning in specific circumstances (e.g., Bulunuz, 2015), many questions remain about why teachers vary in their emphasis of hands-on learning. This white paper shows how instructors may emphasize more hands-on curriculum in different stages of their career.