Work in Progress
Examining learning partnerships in northern Australia
Summary
- Item:
- 10350
- Title:
- Examining learning partnerships in northern Australia
- Type:
- Managed research project
- Project no:
- NR5006
- Status:
- Finished
- Date commenced:
- 30 June 2005
- Contact:
- Ian Falk
- phone: +61 8 8946 6051
- email: ian.falk@cdu.edu.au
Purpose
This research firstly aims to uncover the mechanisms that already exist for effective VET/ACE collaborations to achieve a broad range of socio-economic outcomes for individuals, communities and industries. The research will be conducted in the context of northern Australia, which covers parts of Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland. In particular, given the regional context, there will be a focus on what constitutes effective outcomes with three industry/community intersections in mind: health in central Australian communities (Northern Territory/Western Australia); tourism in Kakadu/West Arnhem Land communities (Northern Territory) and mining in Bowen Basin communities (central Queensland). In doing so, the research will determine how various stakeholders in different community contexts perceive socio-economic benefits of VET/ACE, how they collaborate and to what extent funding arrangements and existing policies in the three jurisdictions either facilitate or hinder collaborations.
Secondly, the research aims to understand the extent and nature of the VET/ACE connections in terms of provider types and relationships and the rationale for collaboration. Within the areas of interest described above the project will identify the range of VET/ACE partnerships and connections that exist in northern Australia. In this project, 'partnerships and connections' may be formal or informal connections within and between organisations. They may vary from connections at the point of delivery (for example, where one lecturer delivers both ACE and VET programs within the same organisation) or at a broad community/regional level (for example, where organisations partner delivery of ACE and VET courses or in other ways achieve various benefits from ACE/VET). The project will explore the nature of partnerships and connections with government/industry/community and to what extent each player in the relationship drives the agenda and outcomes of the collaborative process.
Thirdly, the project will identify processes and practical steps that stakeholders can apply to maximize the effectiveness of socio-economic outcomes defined above. The research will identify practical principles and solutions and the consequent policy implications of these that could then be applied in other regional contexts across Australia.
Approach
Interviews, Case Studies
Research questions
Research Question 1. What is the context, extent and nature of VET/ACE collaboration?
1.1. how does regional contextual data shed light on the VET/ACE field of practice?
1.2. how do jurisdictional policies enable or restrict VET/ACE collaborative outcomes?
1.3. what are the perceived benefits of VET/ACE connections in terms of (i) economic capacity, (ii) social capital/social cohesion and (iii) life-long learning?
1.4. how do existing structures such as (i) CDEP (ii) national parks (iii) community health clinics/networks (iv) language, literacy and numeracy programs and (v) public internet access services (e.g. LNQ, telecentres) contribute to collaboration and outcomes?
Research Question 2. How do VET/ACE providers collaborate for effective socio-economic outcomes?
2.1. what are the features of (i) partners/partnerships/connections, formal and less formal (ii) delivery/program design/qualifications (iii) policy/administration/funding (iv) the community/industry/organisational context that facilitate/hinder successful outcomes?
2.2. what drives the formation and development of effective partnerships and connections: (i) internal drivers and/or (ii) external drivers?
Research Question 3. What can existing/emerging VET/ACE providers do to increase the probability of successful socio-economic outcomes?
3.1. what aspects of the partnership such as (i) leadership, (ii) trust, (iii) resources contribute?
3.2. what aspects of government policy/funding/administration contribute?
3.3. what aspects of the provision context such as (i) community cohesion, (ii) literacy and numeracy, (iii) individual motivation (iv) socio economic background, contribute?
Methodology
The methodology employed in this project relies on three key features. The first is a scan of existing data/literature. Second, the research will specifically draw on the expertise of four key industry experts, who will form part of the reference group, to provide critical feedback on issues identified through the course of the project. These experts will consist of (i) an expert in educational economics (ii) an Indigenous person with experience in cultural/ethical issues and research, (iii) a person with adult literacy/community in terms of community outcomes, and (iv) a person with national ACE/VET community sector interests and knowledge. The third is the use of a detailed interview of key stakeholders.
Organisations
CDU is a dual sector university (TAFE and Higher Education) created with the mandate to build a capacity of first-rate scholars and researchers to support regional development in Northern Australia. CDU delivers more than 90% of VET in the NT.
The Learning Research Group conducts highly successful national and NT-based research and consultancy projects that include large-scale survey and evaluation work as well as smaller but significant projects.
