EDF5810 - VCAL and VET at school - 2017

This unit explores the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) and vocational education and training (VET) at school. VCAL focuses on pedagogies to engage students in their schooling with the aim to increase participation in Years 10 to 12 of schooling and build pathways into further education and employment. Pathways approaches to schooling rests upon teachers drawing academic, VET, community and work-based learning opportunities together to meet the diverse learning needs of students who do not engage with the mainstream curriculum. In this unit, students develop the skills, knowledge and capabilities to enhance participation and create pathways. More specifically, students examine the curriculum requirements of VCAL and explore the ways in which the VCAL subjects (literacy and numeracy, personal development, industry specialist study and work-related skills) can be taught and assessed. In addition, students become familiar with VET and other general education options and their relationship to VCAL.

Upon successful completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. identify the key policy and curriculum issues underpinning VCAL and VET
2. develop knowledge of the broad range of education options for young people seeking alternative educational pathways
3. design and develop teaching and learning approaches to foster engagement in schooling
4. plan assessment strategies for VET and applied learning.

Essay: VCAL and VET as schooling options (4000 words, 50%)

Teaching and learning portfolio (4000 words, 50%)

Flexible mode offers a stand-alone online offering that allows students to learn and engage in content and assessment in a supported way. It also provides a face-to-face component of 12 hours over the semester to engage students with the online learning content, which students can attend if they are able and interested.

Minimum total expected workload equals 288 hours per semester comprising:

1. Contact hours for flexible students:
   • 12 contact hours and 24 hours equivalent of online activities over the semester or
   • 36 hours equivalent of online activities over the semester
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • independent study to meet the minimum required hours per semester

See also Unit timetable information

Dr John Pardy

Option for Master of Education in:

Digital learning

Expert teaching practice

General education studies

Elective for Master of Teaching in:

Early years education

Secondary education

Primary education

Elective for Honours research in:

Education