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Context: The transfer of vocational education and training (VET) has a long tradition and can be based on various conceptual and methodical approaches. Transfer process and success can be influenced by numerous factors at different levels (systemic, institutional and individual). However, the existing research on the challenges and success factors of VET transfer is very heterogenous and fragmented. Method: To provide a comprehensive and structured overview of the current state of the international research on transfer in the context of VET, we conducted a literature review, which is presented here. Using the method of systematic literature review, a total of 231 studies were found and 41 studies were selected based on the defined criteria for full text analysis. Findings: Various specific research foci and analytical approaches used on the included studies were identified and documented. The transfer of a dual VET system or its elements is based on different approaches and perspectives of the recipient country and the transferee. Major challenges for the transfer of dual VET systems include the social reputation of VET in the recipient countries and (language- and culture-related) communication difficulties between the involved parties. For a successful transfer of VET, a deeper knowledge of the contextual conditions in the recipient country are of particular importance, as well as a close, longstanding cooperation between the involved parties. Conclusion: The generated knowledge about key contextual conditions at the individual, company and systemic level in the context of VET transfer can provide a valuable basis for future VET cooperation.

Although the practice of transferring vocational education and training (VET) structures internationally has a long tradition, there is still a lack of systematic research in this field. The various theoretical models and empirical approaches applied to analyse the transfer of the internationally very heterogeneous VET systems result in a strong fragmentation of the research landscape. Hence, consolidation and synthesizing efforts in international VET transfer research are required. This study focuses on the empirical research on VET transfer, analysing the impact and the evidential quality of the study results, and their significance. In this systematic literature review, a total of 231 relevant studies were found and of these, 26 studies were selected for full-text analysis based on predefined criteria. These empirical studies were analysed in a two-step procedure. First, the studies were classified into predefined superordinate categories (e.g., year, research objective, method, sample, participating countries, central result). Second, they were analysed in more depth following an integrative framework based on a research pyramid model and a model for assessing the quality of qualitative research. This critical twofold analysis of the current relevant literature indicates that there is extensive research on international VET transfer. So far, this field of research is characterized by case studies with predominantly qualitative designs and analysis methods. More methodological diversity, which includes longitudinal studies and comparative analyses, is important to this field to provide more well-founded research outcomes in the future. These, in turn, could provide practical and political actors with an evidence-based foundation for their decision-making. By identifying the specific strengths and shortcomings of the empirical research on VET transfer, we reveal central desiderata and derive recommendations on how to strengthen future research and evidence-based VET practice.

Accessing higher education without having to overcome bureaucratic hurdles is a serious concern for refugees. Although empirical studies on the integration and success of refugees in higher education are scarce, the challenges related to this issue are becoming apparent. The Success and Opportunities for Refugees in Higher Education (SUCCESS) research project has been launched to investigate the effectiveness of new online study programs offered on the Kiron Open Higher Education (Kiron) platform that provides refugees with access to Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). SUCCESS measures the prior knowledge and skills of refugee students and investigates to what extent their study opportunities, learning processes, and chances of academic success can be improved effectively through different forms of support provided in Kiron. In this paper, we present the assessment framework and study design of the SUCCESS project as well as data on 1,376 students entering the study program in Kiron in summer 2017. As students' language skills, intellectual abilities, and prior study-related knowledge play a significant role in their performance in higher education degree programs, we focus on the crucial introductory study phase and valid diagnostics of students' study preconditions. We analyze refugee students' sociobiographical and educational data such as gender, country of origin, highest level of education achieved etc. and examine their English language skills, intellectual abilities, and previous study domain related knowledge. We find extreme differences in levels of education and preconditions on starting to study in Kiron. Based on these results, we discuss implications for the effective and successful integration of refugee students in higher education.

The aim of the 15 collaborative projects conducted during the new funding phase of the German research program Modeling and Measuring Competencies in Higher Education--Validation and Methodological Innovations (KoKoHs) is to make a significant contribution to advancing the field of modeling and valid measurement of competencies acquired in higher education. The KoKoHs research teams assess generic competencies and domain-specific competencies in teacher education, social and economic sciences, and medicine based on findings from and using competency models and assessment instruments developed during the first KoKoHs funding phase. Further, they enhance, validate, and test measurement approaches for use in higher education in Germany. Results and findings are transferred at various levels to national and international research, higher education practice, and education policy.

The ever-increasing internationalization of study programs and global mobility of students call for greater transparency of and valid information on the knowledge and skills students acquire over the course of their studies. Several theoretical and methodological challenges arise from the immense diversity of degree courses, study programs, and institutions. A recent review of the literature has revealed a substantial lack of research on assessment practices in higher education, especially on domain-specific and generic competency models, as well as on measurement methods and valid instruments for competency assessment. The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research initiated the national research program Modeling and Measuring Competencies in Higher Education (KoKoHs) to address these challenges. This article describes the assessment practices, aims, and conceptual and methodological framework of KoKoHs and presents the main results of the first funding phase of the program.