Cognitive styles: enhancing the developmental component in National Vocational Qualifications

Outlines the findings of a study designed to inform current practice in developing UK National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) and Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQ). Explores the link between an individual’s cognitive style and their successful management and completion of such a structured award. Adopts the Kirton Adaptation‐Innovation (KAI) instrument, as this represents an inventory designed to explore problem‐solving and information management styles. Provides insights to illuminate particular coping strategies and methods using candidates’ profiles and reports from interviews. The KAI results indicate that both adapters and innovators showing a low efficiency score managed more effectively with the storyboard and whole NVQ process. Points to the likely benefits for both candidates and organisations of appropriate supportive mechanisms to enhance the developmental aspects of gaining an NVQ.