Training, professional development and competence assessment of vocational and professional education teachers: an international review

Introduction. Training, professional development and evaluation of professional competence of vocational education teachers is considered to be the basis of providing any national economy with qualified workers and specialists. It has been increasingly recognized that more attention needs to be paid to this area. The vocational training systems are currently undergoing significant changes worldwide and require new strategies for administrative decisions. The purpose of this article is to analyze and systematize the international experience of training, professional development and competence assessment of vocational education teachers with a focus on Germany, Finland, and China in order to take it into account in modern Russian education. Materials and Methods. The theoretical and methodological basis of the research includes theories of vocational training and vocational teacher education, theories focusing on the content of vocational and teacher education and professional development of teaching staff. The authors used the following research methods: reviewing and comparative analysis of scholarly literature, reports of state institutions, regulations, and websites of educational settings in Germany, Finland and China. Results. The authors have identified trends in the convergence of qualifications and positions of teachers of professional disciplines and industrial instructors. Significant differences in the qualifications and skills of teachers and instructors in the workplace have been identified. Among the forms of professional development for vocational teachers, the authors have highlighted in-service training and activities focused in teaching methods and curriculum development. It is emphasized that the development of teachers' competence is gradual and level-based, the set of skills being determined by vocational education positions, duties and responsibilities In the countries analyzed, internships and professional self-assessment play a particularly important role in the professional development of vocational school teachers. Conclusions. A comparative international analysis of training, professional development and competence assessment of vocational teachers has enabled the authors to determine the main vectors for updating the system of professional training and vocational teacher education in Russia.