This study examined the implementation of an intensive reading pedagogy, Reading-to-Learn, in adult literacy classrooms. In this method, the teacher plays a crucial role in carefully selecting relevant topics, genres and texts that are slightly beyond the current reading ability of students, and in designing 'scaffolding moves' that build very deliberate preparation into every level of classroom tasks. This approach had a positive impact for students in terms of achievements in reading and writing, and for teachers in terms of growth in professional knowledge. There were also flow-on implications for day-to-day practice in systematic and principled planning and teaching.
This national study confirms the value of cross-cultural training in developing the cultural competence needed by employees to work effectively with culturally diverse co-workers and customers. The 134 graduates surveyed rated their cross-cultural training highly, reporting improved workplace performance and cultural self-awareness, with most indicating they would like further cross-cultural training.
On the whole, educational achievements and outcomes from vocational education and training (VET) are relatively poor for students reporting a disability. This paper sought to isolate the direct effect of being a member of a particular disability group. It found that the direct effect of the disability differs between groups, and is highest for those with a mental illness, a medical condition or a physical disability.
This report summarises the costs and benefits of studying for a VET qualification. It finds that generally students have an adequate economic incentive to enrol in VET. The best returns were for students who study higher-level qualifications (certificate III upwards), and do so part-time.
Course completion and student satisfaction is likely to be influenced by how realistic the expectations of students are when they enrol. This report explores the idea that students' expectations would be more realistic if students have well developed career management competencies.
This paper highlights the importance of using quality survey instruments to collect data about student satisfaction. It discusses the challenges involved in collecting quality student satisfaction data and describes a structural equation model as a possible means of designing and collecting this data. Since this paper was presented at the 2007 No Frills conference, a national survey instrument has been developed which will be used by all registered training organisations to collect their learner satisfaction data. The development of this instrument validates the key point made in this paper: that it is essential for registered training organisations to have a quality survey tool in order to improve the validity of learner satisfaction surveys across the VET sector.
There have been major advances in online learning in recent years. However, the use of some technologies - such as web conferencing - have not been fully explored in the vocational education and training (VET) sector. This paper reports on a trial of web conferencing that was conducted by the Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE. There was a high level of participation and interaction by both students and teachers during the trial, and most were positive about using web conferencing as a means of communication.
Students reporting a mental illness do poorly in vocational education and training (VET) compared with other disability groups. This is a challenge for the VET sector. Teachers and support staff are at the frontline in responding to the needs of these students and this research explored staff perspectives on how TAFE institutes in Australia are supporting students with mental illnesses.
The vocational education and training sector (VET) has a reputation for providing learners with a second chance. This report critically examines this idea, and finds that although VET provides opportunities for a second chance at education to many prospective students, the percentage who complete their studies and gain a qualification is modest.