INNOVATION IN VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN GREECE: EDUCATORS’ MOTIVATIONS

Authors

  • Kyriaki Katsari Public School of Higher Vocational Training of Veria, Greece, Department of Primary Education, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Western Macedonia, Greece
  • John N. Bizos Second Chance School of Alexandria, Greece, Department of Primary Education, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Western Macedonia, Greece
  • Maria Gogou School of Early Childhood Education, Faculty of Education, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
  • Christos V. Gogos Dr., Public School of Higher Vocational Training of Veria, Greece, School of Spatial Planning and Development, Faculty of Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, General Hospital of Imathia, Greece orcid.org/0000-0002-8658-5980

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v12i7.6072

Keywords:

educational innovation, motivation, educators, vocational training, Greece

Abstract

This study investigates the motivations of educators at Greek Higher Vocational Training Schools for adopting innovative practices in education. It explores both internal and external factors influencing innovation. The findings reveal that internal motivations and the perceived needs of students and educational units are key drivers of innovation, whereas gender and age do not significantly correlate with motivation. Experienced educators show a greater inclination toward innovation, associating it with professional prestige and collaboration satisfaction. External mandates, such as government policies, often lack effectiveness unless adequately supported. The study emphasizes that educational innovation should stem from intrinsic motivation, collaborative environments, and student-cantered approaches, and highlights the crucial role of internal leadership. Future research should delve into specific innovative practices, such as experiential learning, to enhance empathy.

 

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Author Biographies

  • Kyriaki Katsari, Public School of Higher Vocational Training of Veria, Greece, Department of Primary Education, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Western Macedonia, Greece

    Kyriaki Katsari is an adult educator at the Public School of Higher Vocational Training of Veria, Greece. She holds an MSc in Education Sciences: Management and Administration in Education-Educational Leadership from the University of Western Macedonia, Greece. Her research interests focus on data analysis and innovative practices in adult education.

  • John N. Bizos, Second Chance School of Alexandria, Greece, Department of Primary Education, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Western Macedonia, Greece

    John Bizos is a mathematician who teaches at the Second Chance School of Alexandria, Central Macedonia, Greece. He is a postgraduate student in Education Sciences: Management and Administration in Education-Educational Leadership, University of Western Macedonia, Greece. His research interests include data analysis, adult education, and innovative methods in the teaching of mathematics and computing.

  • Maria Gogou, School of Early Childhood Education, Faculty of Education, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

    Maria Gogou is an undergraduate at the School of Early Childhood Education, Faculty of Education, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. Her scientific interests focus on individual differences, disabilities, and the special education needs of children, as well as innovative educational practices.

  • Christos V. Gogos, Dr., Public School of Higher Vocational Training of Veria, Greece, School of Spatial Planning and Development, Faculty of Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, General Hospital of Imathia, Greece orcid.org/0000-0002-8658-5980

    Dr. Christos Gogos, PhD, of the School of Spatial Planning and Development, Faculty of Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, is an adult educator at the Public School of Higher Vocational Training of Veria, Greece. He also received an MSc in Health Services Administration from the National School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Greece. His scientific interests focus on adult education, health and education inequalities, and the implementation of innovative practices in education. He has published in Greek and English journals and conference proceedings.

    ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8658-5980

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2025-06-18

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