Enhancing the Value of Research Competencies: Outcomes of Ted Talks and Student-Led Interviews 🚀

On the 13rd of November, learners from EPRALIMA, a Vocational and Educational Training (VET) Institude based in Portugal, had the opporunity to dialogue and question, first-hand, with industry professionals that incorporate research competencies in their work. In total, 16 students, three teachers and four industry professionals participated in the event.

The objective was to desmitify the often shared idea that performing research does not take place in technical non-academic careers and to motivate learners in pursuing future uncoventional careers where research competencices are put into practice.

The motto of the sessions was “Research lives beyond the academic spaces”.

Sandra Amaral (Environmental Engineer and Independent Worker), Hélder Costa (Sociologist @ Youth Organisation of Vila Fonche), Diana Barros (Food Engineer, IPVC) and Jorge Miranda (Business Administrator @ INCubo) were central to the event’s objectives: they shared their experience, dialogued with students about opportunities of VET research and answered questions on the role of research competencies in VET and labour market.

Ted Talks and Student-Led Interview Sessions

R-XSCAPE is an avid fan of innovative pedagogies to strenghtening students’ engagement in their own learning. Reflecting own premisses, the event included a double-focused framwork to enhancing the perceived value of research competencies within the VET community.

During the first part of the event, learners were put to the side to hear four industry professionals about real-life professional scenarios where research competencies are a tool to performing a quality work (Ted Talks). The focus was on inspiring students and educators. The second stage of the event, learners took a proactive role, and led a serious of interview sessions with industry players. The focus was on shifting students and educators attitudes towards the role of research competencies in VET and labour market.

Students got to question industry leaders about the relevance of research-based soft skills in their professional practice, leaving room for insightful discussions and a deeper understanding of how interpersonal abilities such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability influence career success.

Check all the Interviews below:

Research Competencies are transversal to sectors and responsibilities: Event’s Main Takeaways 🤓

At the end of the event, learners used words such as “indispensable”, “fundamental” to characterise the role of research competencies in their future career, recognising the value of technical and soft skills (e.g., teamwork) as foundational (see examples of anwers below). Through quality assessment questionnaires, it was also found that student’s reported increased interest in pursuing research-focused careers (4,10/5 on average) as a result of the event, while teachers expressed a strong intention to adopt research-based teaching methods in their classrooms (4,5/5).

Student’s further reported two main takways from the sessions. Their testimonies can be seen in the project’s Youtube Channel.

research competencies are transversal to sectors and careers and having similar events is essentional for bringing VET learners closer with the current and future labour market needs.

Advice for the Future: R-XSCAPE Can Help 🔎

There is not a “right” and linear path. Knowing what we are passioned about is a lot like doing research: it is a unsured journey, characterised by “ups” and “downs”.

Sandra Amaral leaves her advice to VET studens unsured about pursuing research-based careers in their future: “Do not be afraid of being curious and trying new things. Take advantage of every opportunity you got”. With R-XSCAPE, learners will have hands-on experiences with real-life scenarios, supporting student’s motivation in pursuing research-based careers.

Stay tuned for our workshops and Educational Room Competitions!

See all testimonies and interview discussions in our Youtube Channel!

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our journey towards transforming education through immersive learning!

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