Belgian vocational education students are calling for a change in the naming of practical study tracks in secondary schools. The current labels, such as the “B-stream” or “labour market-oriented finality,” are seen as negative by many learners. This issue was highlighted by the Flemish Student Council on 2025-06-24 11:03:00, sparking discussions about how education terminology affects student motivation and public perception.
- Scholieren willen nieuwe naam praktijkrichtingen
- Vlaamse Scholierenkoepel kaart probleem aan
- Beroepsonderwijs richtingen heten nu B-stroom
- Leerlingen vinden huidige naam te negatief
- Officiële naam verwijst naar arbeidsmarktfinaliteit
Why do these students feel the need for a new name? The existing terms suggest a lesser status compared to general education, which could impact students’ self-esteem and future opportunities. Could a simple name change help shift attitudes and improve the image of vocational education in Flanders?
Changing the terminology raises important questions about how education systems value different learning paths. Does the name truly influence how students feel about their studies? Some points to consider:
- Negative labels may discourage students from pursuing vocational tracks.
- A new name could promote equality between vocational and general education.
- Improved perception might attract more learners to practical fields.
- Stakeholder involvement is key to choosing a respectful and motivating term.
As discussions continue, policymakers and educators are urged to listen carefully to students’ voices. Will this push lead to a more inclusive and motivating education system? The coming months may bring important changes that reshape how vocational education is viewed across Belgium.
