Vocational training

Definition

Vocational training is a form of education that focuses on equipping individuals with specific skills and knowledge required for particular trades or occupations. This type of training often emphasizes practical, hands-on experience and prepares students for careers in fields such as healthcare, construction, and technology. Within the context of boarding schools, vocational training was used to assimilate Native American students into Euro-American culture by teaching them skills deemed necessary for survival in mainstream society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Vocational training in boarding schools was often aimed at preparing Native American students for low-wage jobs, reinforcing economic dependency rather than promoting independence.
2. Students were typically separated from their families and communities, leading to a loss of cultural identity and connection to their heritage during vocational training.
3. The types of vocational skills taught were often limited to those deemed suitable by the dominant society, such as domestic skills for girls and manual labor for boys.
4. Despite the intention of providing practical skills, vocational training frequently served as a tool for oppression, forcing students into roles that perpetuated stereotypes about Native Americans.
5. Many students who received vocational training did not find gainful employment afterward, as the economic opportunities were often minimal and discriminative.

Review Questions

• How did vocational training in boarding schools impact the cultural identity of Native American students?
  • Vocational training in boarding schools significantly impacted the cultural identity of Native American students by promoting assimilation into Euro-American culture. Students were often taught skills that aligned with the expectations of mainstream society while being separated from their families and communities. This separation led to a weakening of cultural ties and an erosion of traditional practices, ultimately contributing to a loss of identity among many individuals.
• Discuss the intended purpose of vocational training in boarding schools and how it reflected broader societal attitudes toward Native Americans.
  • The intended purpose of vocational training in boarding schools was to prepare Native American students for roles that society deemed appropriate for them, primarily focusing on manual labor or domestic work. This reflected broader societal attitudes that viewed Native Americans as inferior and in need of 'civilization.' By emphasizing vocational skills rather than academic education, these institutions aimed to reinforce stereotypes while limiting opportunities for genuine social mobility.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of vocational training on Native American communities and individual students post-boarding school era.
  • The long-term consequences of vocational training on Native American communities were profound and multifaceted. Many individuals left boarding schools with practical skills but faced systemic barriers to employment due to discrimination. Communities often struggled with the loss of cultural continuity as generations became disconnected from their heritage. Additionally, the emphasis on vocational skills over holistic education contributed to ongoing socioeconomic challenges within Native communities, perpetuating cycles of poverty and marginalization that are still felt today.

Related terms

Assimilation: The process by which individuals or groups adopt the cultural norms of another group, often losing their original identity in the process.

Indigenous education: An educational approach that incorporates the culture, values, and knowledge systems of Indigenous peoples, often contrasting with Western educational models.

Apprenticeship: A system of training where individuals learn a trade or craft under the guidance of experienced professionals, combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction.