The College’s Applied Research and Innovation Centre (ARIC) launched the first edition of the MCAST Monograph.

The first edition published is a research project that was carried out over a number of years and revolves around understanding the challenges that students go through in education with the aim that of improving their experiences in education and ensure they remain engaged in education.

The first research edition of this series titled, ‘The Challenges and Barries Students Face in their Learning Joureys’ was authored by Dr Tatjana Chircop and Mr Marco Montalto. The research was carried out within the ESF 02.058 project Adding Value: Nurturing Learning Journeys in IVET at MCAST.

The research took place both in secondary schools and at MCAST. Findings are documented in this monograph. Research such as this provides data that places educational institutions and the state, in a better position to make informed decisions. Rather than only looking at statistics, this research also delved deeply into using qualitative approaches to understand students better.

Results from this research project indicate that a substantial number of students go into employment when they drop out of non-compulsory schooling. Moreover, possible models are discussed as possibilities to incorporate the students’ choices and the opportunity for them to work and study concurrently at the place of work.

The ARIC has been publishing the MCAST Journal of Applied Research and Practice featuring research carried out primarily by staff members in various fields, for a number of years.

ARIC has increased the research output over the past few years, providing Master courses in Research and a Doctorate.