AUTHOR=Väljataga Terje , Ümarik Meril , Loogma Krista , Bentsalo Inna , Daukilas Sigitas , Kaminskiene Lina , Vaitkute Lina , Gedviliene Genute , Tutlys Vidmantas 

TITLE=Educational learning lab supporting innovation adoption in vocational education

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Education

VOLUME=Volume 10 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/education/articles/10.3389/feduc.2025.1422647

DOI=10.3389/feduc.2025.1422647

ISSN=2504-284X

ABSTRACT=This article explores the implementation and sustainability of innovative educational practices in a joint collaborative research project involving Estonia and Lithuania. Four interventions following the Educational Learning Lab approach were designed to counteract drop-out from vocational education and training for young people at risk of social exclusion. The study investigates the conditions for vocational teachers' knowledge appropriation leading to sustainable innovation in the empowerment of vulnerable students. Through applying the Knowledge Appropriation Model to the design of intervention cases, data collection and analyses, the article discusses how knowledge maturation, scaffolding, and appropriation practices emerged during the Educational Learning Labs.