Taking 'innovation' on the road

Both Jane Figgis and Yvonne Hillier recently completed research reports for the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) on trends in teaching and learning in vocational education and training (VET). Figgis focused on Australian initiatives within providers, while Hillier took a broader and international view. This work was the basis for a series of workshops in five jurisdictions.

This present report not only consolidates the perspectives of their earlier work but also develops the substantial common ground. Thus, it has become an additional stage in the research and offers a number of clear messages:

Key messages

• Changing practice is neither a quick nor painless process. Moreover, an innovation does not have to be entirely new, just new to the team or institution attempting to implement it.

• Key to changing practice is accessing fresh ideas, which are often passed on through networks. However, those wanting to ‘innovate’ need to convince other colleagues of the need for change.

• Recasting practice and rethinking assumptions need to take account of deeply held values and experience. The most effective change may not be through radical reform, but through incremental improvements.

• Developing an organisational culture which encourages mainstream practitioners to reflect habitually on what they are doing and take action are what is needed, not a focus on ‘star innovators’. Providing the resources to enable this is also important.

Those interested in this work are pointed to Regenerating the Australian landscape of professional VET practice: Practitioner-driven changes to teaching and learning by Jane Figgis and Innovation in teaching and learning in vocational education and training: International perspectives (a report and a podcast) by Yvonne Hillier.

Tom Karmel
Managing Director, NCVER