“The Effectiveness of a Learning Experience Model for Improving Work Readiness among Vocational High School Students” (2026), by B Alit Purwa Arintaka et al. Social Sciences research paper. Original abstract below, unchanged. A free PDF is available.

The Effectiveness of a Learning Experience Model for Improving Work Readiness among Vocational High School Students

B Alit Purwa Arintaka, Iis Prasetyo · October 26, 2026 · Social Sciences

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of the Learning Experience Model in improving the work readiness of vocational high school students through an initial job preparation module. A quasi-experimental approach using a nonequivalent control-group pre-test–post-test design was employed across three vocational high schools in Magelang, Indonesia. The study analysed data from 300 students, comprising 160 students in the experimental group and 140 in the control group. The intervention covered curriculum vitae preparation, job interview simulations, psychometric tests, and employment contracts, supported by structured discussions, simulations, and reflection. Data were analysed using paired-samples and independent-samples t-tests. The results showed that the experimental group's mean score decreased from 5.74 at pre-test to 5.26 at post-test, representing a statistically significant decline (p = .004). In contrast, the control group's mean score increased from 4.45 to 5.34, also showing a statistically significant change (p < .001). However, the post-test comparison revealed no statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups (p = .714). These findings indicate that the Learning Experience Model did not demonstrate superior effectiveness in improving students' work readiness under the conditions of this study. Limited implementation time, differences in students' engagement, and the need for clearer operationalisation of the learning model may have influenced the outcomes. Further research should employ stronger experimental designs, allow sufficient intervention time, and incorporate more comprehensive measures of work readiness.

Free PDF DOI: 10.63922/ijevss.v5i04.7028