International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE)
Vol 15, No 4: August 2026

Bridging the transition gap: the role of practical career education in enhancing independent living skills for adolescents with developmental disabilities in Vietnam

Dao Thi Thu Thuy (Hanoi Metropolitan University)
Nguyen Thi Quynh Hoa (Hanoi Metropolitan University)
Nguyen Thi Kim Hoa (The Vietnam National Institute of Educational Sciences)
Nguyen Thi Huyen (Hanoi Metropolitan University)
Nguyen Thi Phuong Hoa (Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences)



Article Info

Publish Date
05 Aug 2026

Abstract

The transition to adulthood for adolescents with developmental disabilities (DD) in Vietnam is fraught with challenges, marked by a gap between rights-based policies and practical support. This study addresses the critical need to identify effective interventions for enhancing their independent living skills (ILS). Adopting the social cognitive career theory (SCCT) framework, we conducted a quantitative survey with 458 special education teachers and parents to evaluate the impact of three career education (CE) dimensions: practical teaching methods, teacher competence, and experiential environment. Multiple regression analysis revealed that practical teaching methods were the most significant predictor of socio-adaptive competence (β=.48). A key finding was the “will-skill” discrepancy, where students’ high motivation (M=3.35) contrasted with their limited functional skills (M=3.18). We conclude that in resource-constrained contexts like Vietnam, hands-on, task-based instruction is paramount. The study provides empirical evidence for policymakers to prioritize practical vocational training over theoretical approaches to effectively bridge the gap between students’ aspirations and their actual capabilities, fostering genuine autonomy.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

IJERE

Publisher

Subject

Education

Description

The International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE) is an interdisciplinary publication of original research and writing on education which publishes papers to international audiences of educational researchers. The IJERE aims to provide a forum for scholarly understanding of ...