GED2854

Vocational education and training (VET): policies and practices

Ms A Clemans

12 points
* 3 hours per week
* Second semester
* Clayton

Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should have developed an understanding of the history of national and state provision of vocational education and training; the debate surrounding the introduction of the policies associated with the training reform agenda and the national training framework; the policy frameworks for vocational education and training; vocational education and training practices with a view to developing critique and/or aspects of good practice; labour market policies and programs; the policies and program provision associated with non-traditional and disadvantaged groups; pedagogical practices which attempt to integrate English language and adult literacy with vocational education and training; pedagogical practices which attempt to utilise the workplace environment and integrate work performance; the relationship between policy and practice as these work to reinforce and/or challenge the social relations of the workplace.

Synopsis This subject is designed for those interested in administrative issues and teaching and learning for the workplace. It has both a theoretical and practical base. Relevant theory and research are examined along with implications for practice. The subject looks at the broad social, political and economic context and how this impacts and shapes vocational education and training. This includes the workplace reform and training reform agendas along with the implementation of a national approach to the vocational education and training curriculum. It will also address the more specific level of how these bear out in practice on providers, in their pedagogical and curriculum practices. This subject provides opportunities to broaden understanding of the social, economic and political theories, the policies and the practices associated with vocational education and training. It provides opportunities to explore the administrative, curriculum and pedagogical implications arising from training reform. It provides opportunities to study innovations as these relate to the workplace and vocational education and training.

Assessment Written assignments (totalling 6000 words): 100%
* Class presentation

Recommended texts

Foley G (ed.) Understanding adult education and training Allen and Unwin, 1995
Gonczi A (ed.) Developing a competent workforce NCVER, 1992
Harris R, Guthrie H, Hobart B and Lundberg D Competency based education and training: Between a rock and a whirlpool Macmillan, 1995
Marginson S Education and public policy in Australia CUP, 1993
Mathews J Catching the wave: Workplace reform in Australia Allen and Unwin, 1994
Pusey M Economic rationalism in Canberra CUP, 1991
Rushbrook P (ed.) Work-related learning: Writings in adult and vocational education and training Faculty of Education, Monash University, 1997