Vocational programs are facing educational challenges. Many students leave secondary school in Sweden without completed grades, and this is problematic in many ways, e.g. in terms of equivalence and skill segregation. This study tries to see learning through students’ eyes and examined learning styles in six different vocational programs. The research questions have addressed which general learning styles traits dominates and which differentiates. The study involved 244 students. The Productivity Environmental Preference Survey (PEPS) learning styles assessment was used to identify 17 different traits. Sex groups were compared with descriptive statistics and analysed by using F-test and analysis of variance, ANOVA. The tendencies were low motivation and conformity, a high need for structure and routine, multimodal dominance, and a need for intake and movements. The most productive time of day was in the afternoon. The statistical analysis revealed that six of 17 elements differed; light, temperature, conformity, persistence, intake, time-of –day (early morning and morning). This study shows similarities and differences concerning learning styles preferences in vocational program, which can be a basis for further insights in didactics issues. This study highlights the importance of finding pedagogical model that is suitable for vocational education, expanded educational strategies and in-depth didactic discussions. The results are valuable for people involved in the planning of vocational education and for the students themselves
Utbildning och lärande. Tidskrift