Historical Antecedents as Precedents for Nanotechnology Vocational Education Training and Workforce Development

Human Resource Development Review, Vol. 10, No. 4, pp. 417-430

Posted: 16 Aug 2010 Last revised: 8 Jun 2014

Date Written: July 25, 2011

Abstract

In an attempt to inform how to approach nanotechnology vocational education training (nanoVET), this article briefly discusses the history of the development of vocational education training (VET) in the United States during the past century. The history of nanotechnology development and the current advances in this emerging field are discussed in the context of workforce development and the challenges it poses to human resource development (HRD) professionals. Concerned with the lack of educators and educational policy experts in the dialogue on nanotechnology and the need for multi-, trans-, and inter-disciplinary employability skills curricula for nanotechnology, this article argues for a different approach to VET that endorses the democratic ideals proposed by Dewey, in preparing students for challenges in nanotechnology careers. The article argues that the multi-, trans-, and inter-disciplinary nature of nanotechnology require that nanoVET should be guided by history and be modeled within the comprehensive democratic approach advanced by Dewey. The article concludes with a discussion on the implications for HRD practice, research, and theory.

Keywords: Nanotechnology, Curricula, Workforce, Nanoscience, Skills, Vocational Education

Suggested Citation

Yawson, Robert M., Historical Antecedents as Precedents for Nanotechnology Vocational Education Training and Workforce Development (July 25, 2011). Human Resource Development Review, Vol. 10, No. 4, pp. 417-430, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1659232

Robert M. Yawson (Contact Author)

Quinnipiac University ( email )

275 Mt. Carmel Avenue, SB-DNF
School of Business
Hamden, CT 06518
United States
2035825023 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://https://www.qu.edu/faculty-and-staff/robert-yawson/

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