Meeting the educational challenges thrown up by a more integrated tertiary education sector and a fast, but unevenly, growing economy can be helped by good applied research.
What insights are needed will be outlined by Ms Elizabeth McGregor, Institute Director, North Coast TAFE in the opening address at the 20th National Vocational Education and Training Research Conference, ‘No Frills’.
Ms McGregor said that because educational policy is now more focussed on outcomes for the economy, the challenge is for VET researchers to help the sector develop relevant evidence.
“We need to be able to provide the data and tell the stories that demonstrate our capacity to have an impact and to deliver what the nation needs,” Ms McGregor said. “It’s this evidence that will then drive even better practice and even better policy.”
Sponsored by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) and North Coast TAFE, the conference will see almost 200 people arrive in Coffs Harbour this week.
Ms Francesca Beddie, General Manager, Research at NCVER said ‘No Frills’ will showcase work from over 50 new and experienced researchers based in universities and vocational education and training (VET) institutions.
“This year’s program is as diverse in its subject matter as ever. What brings it together is a united commitment to finding answers to some of VET’s enduring questions such as how best to meet learners’ needs and how to ensure training is relevant to industry,” Ms Beddie said.
NCVER will also launch a book of research readings which explore the relationship between skills, innovation and industry at North Coast TAFE’s award winning Osprey Restaurant at the conference welcome reception on 13 July 2011.
Copies of Fostering enterprise: the innovation and skills nexus - research readings are available from www.ncver.edu.au/publications/2367.html
The 20th National Vocational Education and Training Research Conference, ‘No Frills’, will run from 14-15 July 2011 at the North Coast TAFE Coffs Harbour Education Campus.
Ms McGregor will deliver her keynote address, ‘Aiming high – how can research accelerate the shift from inputs to impacts?’ at 9:30am AEST on 14 July 2011.
Media enquiries: Jessica Justin, Marketing Officer, NCVER 08 8230 8400; Neil Brown, Manager, Marketing, Media and Public Relations, North Coast TAFE, 0438 624 804