Comparison of Dual VET Models in Spain: Analysing Educational Quality from the Perspective of Educational Centres

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

• The manuscript entitled "The importance of the dual VET model to education quality: an educational centres perspective" analyses two models of dual VET related to four dimensions: teaching team, process, evaluation, and synergies. The topic is relevant, and although education quality has been widely studied, there is a lack of studies focusing on vocational education and training. However, some recommendations could be followed to improve the manuscript:

  a. The title does not precisely reflect the content of the article. Consider referencing the different models in the title, such as "Comparison of dual VET models in Spain: analysing educational quality from the perspective of educational centres."

  b. More information should be provided about the two models (A and B). The paragraph between lines 83 and 88 is unclear. It is stated that "two main models included in the dual vocational training systems of the different Autonomous Communities that make up the Spanish State," but it is not clear whether these models correspond to specific Autonomous Communities or whether each model includes centres from different regions.

  More information should be provided on how models A and B have been constructed. It is stated that they are based on European quality criteria, but it is not clear that they are as distinct as the table shows. Criterion 4 specifies General Dual VET and Intensive Dual VET as defined in the new law, but criterion 8 only refers to Royal Decree 1529/2012

  So, please clarify which Autonomous Communities were studied and whether each one represents a specific model or if there are centres that follow different models within the same.

  c." To" is repeated in line 86

  d. Include absolute data in Table 2 and percentages to provide a more complete understanding of the results

  e. Discussion of results: Include discuss these results with other's findings

  Implementing these recommendations will help improve the manuscript's clarity, accuracy, and relevance, providing a better understanding of dual VET models and their impact on educational quality.
  

   

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Moderate editing of English language required

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

A valuable article that contributes to knowledge about the challenges of dual VET in Spain. Overall very well structured and sounded in its various aspects.

Given the implications of this study and the aims that are settled to meet I suggest developing further, still shortly, the final argumentation in conclusions with a short lines on potential learning for policy making and further development of the implimentation of dual VET in Spain (see  353-357)

"The results of this project can be used to reflect on the direction of dual VET within the framework of the new 2022 Organic Law on the Organization and Integration of Vocational Training. Dual VET offers advantages in terms of employment opportunities,skills development and practical experience and a strong VET system is synonymous with high placement rates in quality jobs, low unemployment and an agile productive fabric that can adapt to the changes of a volatile and ever-changing economy.

Author Response

Thank you very much for taking the time to review this manuscript. Please find the detailed responses below and the corresponding revisions/corrections highlighted/in track changes in the re-submitted files. These changes can be found in the re-submitted manuscript by with the track changes mode in MS Word and by using colored text in purple/fuchsia.

Comment1: Given the implications of this study and the aims that are settled to meet I suggest developing further, still shortly, the final argumentation in conclusions with a short lines on potential learning for policy making and further development of the implimentation of dual VET in Spain (see  353-357)

Response1: Information in the form of references or improved/expanded wording has been added in the sections discussion and conclusions and practical implications.

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

“The importance of the dual VET model to education quality: an educational centers perspective” is an interesting article. In this paper, the authors analyze two models of dual VET and compare their qualities compliance on the basics of teaching team, process, evaluation, and synergies. Comparing the two selected models focused on issues related to the training of tutors at educational centers, as well as the quality certifications of dual VET and links support and cooperation between educational components and pedagogical variables as well as between vocational educational centers and companies. As the authors mention this paper reflects the current advances in the integration path among different aspects of dual VET such as checking educational, and human evaluation of the generated results for VET education. The content of the paper is relevant to the journal. Although the topic is very interesting, unfortunately, the authors have not avoided some basic methodological errors which they should review before publishing. Below we note some specific comments that we consider important to improve the content of the article.

 1)    We do not use abbreviations in an abstract (NOT write VET, but Vocational Education and Training!).

2)    Describe essential elements of the article in the abstract, such as research methods and objectives. Write clearly and sharply the statistic method and the statistic tool that you have used.

3)    Partially highlight the expected results or added value. What do you expect the reader to gain from reading the article? Also, define more clearly the fields of application.

4)    We do not use two references at once without explaining exactly what we refer to! Rewrite and explain!!! Why refer to each reference anywhere in the article?  For example, explain why [5],[6],[12]? What is the meaning of this list?   

5)    Be careful about the proper spaces anywhere in the article anywhere.

6)    At the end of the first section describe all the parts of the article!!!

7)    Keep the format of the journal: for example, the label of the figure. Write the number in the text. Describe and explain each picture, and every table, its meaning, and its use.

8)    Keep the proper manner of using the table. Explain in a full analytic way why it is present in the article.

9)    If you have to explain an abbreviation there is no need to write it again.

10)   You do not need such strong separations: three or four paragraphs per page is enough.

 11)   Because the content of the article requires conceptualization and correlation, at least in the qualitative research part, use a conceptualization tool for this. You can leverage various tools (https://cloud.rstudio.com/tags/rstudio-cloud/, https://doc.atlasti.com/ManualWin.v9/ATLAS.ti_ManualWin.v9.pdf, https://lumivero .com/products/nvivo/

 12)  Tables 3 and 4 reschedule or redesign the content.   

 13)   The hint points of the article will have to be revised and to be more specific!

 14)   Finally, the question must be answered: what authors should seek to do based on the findings of their research.

 15)   Double-check how sources are formatted. They do not comply with the journal specifications.

 

Comments on the Quality of English Language

 Moderate editing of English language required

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

• Accept in Present Form: The paper can be accepted without any further changes.