@article{e19ce8117a66432fb2fff84c506bbcc4,
title = "The impact of work-based versus school-based learning on cognitive and non-cognitive outcomes in vocational secondary education",
abstract = "We investigate how work-based versus school-based learning impacts students{\textquoteright} cognitive (numeracy, literacy) and non-cognitive outcomes (student motivation, engagement, academic self-concept, well-being) in vocational secondary education. To this end, we exploit longitudinal test score and survey data on a cohort of Belgian pupils. We rely on school-field-of-study fixed effects, (non-)cognitive test scores in the preceding grades, and detailed background characteristics to remove the bias resulting from self-selection into educational programmes. Within the technical track aimed at preparing students both for the labour market and further education, we find the effects of substituting school-based for work-based learning on both cognitive and non-cognitive outcomes to be negative. Within the purely vocational track, by contrast, effects seem to be more mixed and to depend on the outcome and amount of workplace learning. These results are consistent with cognitive and non-cognitive outcomes being crucial mechanisms underlying the effects of work-based programmes on educational and labour market career outcomes.",
keywords = "Dual system, Human capital, Literacy, Non-cognitive skills, Numeracy, Returns to education, Vocational training, Work placement, Work-based learning",
author = "Ilse Tobback and Dieter Verhaest and \{De Witte\}, Kristof",
note = "Funding Information: We thank Rolf van der Velden and Nick Deschacht for their valuable comments on an earlier version of this article. This work was supported by the Flemish Authority within the frame of the policy research centre on educational research (Steunpunt SONO). Kristof De Witte acknowledges financial support from the European Commission through its Horizon Europe project BRIDGE (grant 101177154). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the granting authority. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. Our analyses are based on the LISO-data (www.lisoproject.be), which are proprietary. This data collection was sponsored by the Flemish Government in the framework of the Flemish Policy Research Centre on Educational Research. To get access to the data, users have to send a motivated request to
[email protected]. The replication files can be obtained by sending an email to the corresponding author. Funding Information: This work was supported by the Flemish Authority within the frame of the policy research centre on educational research (Steunpunt SONO) . Kristof De Witte acknowledges financial support from the European Commission through its Horizon Europe project BRIDGE (grant 101177154 ). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the granting authority. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. Funding Information: Our analyses are based on the LISO-data (www.lisoproject.be), which are proprietary. This data collection was sponsored by the Flemish Government in the framework of the Flemish Policy Research Centre on Educational Research. To get access to the data, users have to send a motivated request to
[email protected]. The replication files can be obtained by sending an email to the corresponding author. Data availability Our analyses are based on the LISO-data (www.lisoproject.be), which are proprietary. This data collection was sponsored by the Flemish Government in the framework of the Flemish Policy Research Centre on Educational Research. To get access to the data, users have to send a motivated request to
[email protected]. The replication files can be obtained by sending an email to the corresponding author.",
year = "2025",
month = aug,
day = "1",
doi = "10.1016/j.econedurev.2025.102673",
language = "English",
volume = "107",
journal = "Economics of Education Review",
issn = "0272-7757",
publisher = "Elsevier Ltd",
}