Humanistic Learning and Technological Approaches in Indonesian Tourism Vocational High Schools

Abstract

The existing literature recognizes issues on the lack of soft skills and mastery of technology among tourism vocational high school graduates because of the absence of humanistic learning and technological approaches at schools. However, these studies could not capture teachers’ and students’ rich and nuanced experiences in their classrooms. This research investigates the reality of humanistic learning and technological approaches in tourism vocational high schools in Indonesia. By employing a qualitative approach, this research collected data from two tourism vocational high schools in Yogyakarta and Bali, Indonesia, observing four hotel and culinary classrooms and interviewing ten volunteer teachers. The results indicate that the teachers implemented humanistic learning by emphasizing student’s active involvement in the learning process, encouraging hands-on and experiential learning, recognizing the unique needs and abilities of the students, accommodating the development of interpersonal skills of the students, and placing significant emphasis on the personal growth of the students. The teachers also incorporated technology in humanistic learning by using digital resources and tools to support learning, promoting a blended learning environment, and facilitating collaboration and communication using technology. Teachers and relevant stakeholders can use the findings of this research to improve the teaching and learning process and better prepare tourism vocational high school graduates for the demands of the tourism industry.