All publications

New ways of thinking about how language, literacy and numeracy skills are taught has coincided with… Show more

New ways of thinking about how language, literacy and numeracy skills are taught has coincided with a fundamental policy change in the vocational education and training sector. A major development has been the integration of literacy, language and numeracy skills into vocational training. The complexity of the issues makes it important to gain a better understanding of what actually happens in Australia, especially in the workplace. This study explores how training practitioners are using the reforms in the national training system, and their knowledge of new approaches to teaching and learning to integrate language, literacy and numeracy into workplace training programs in the community services sector. Although the study is small scale, it provides an informative snapshot of how a number of providers are integrating language, literacy and numeracy into vocational programs. Show less

The formal court system in Australia has long been criticised for its adversarial nature. As a resul… Show more

The formal court system in Australia has long been criticised for its adversarial nature. As a result, there has been an increase in the use of alternative dispute resolution processes such as mediation. These are promoted as a means of increasing access to justice by disadvantaged groups and as an inexpensive way of solving legal or quasi-legal disputes. In practice, however, alternative dispute resolution requires the ability to comprehend complex written texts involving both literacy and numeracy. This report investigates the difficulties experienced by users of alternative dispute resolution in Australia, as a result of their levels of literacy and numeracy skills. The study highlights that limited literacy and numeracy can be a barrier to fair participation in mediation processes, despite these processes being promoted as a fair and equitable process for all. The report identifies alternative dispute resolution processes that lead to difficulties, includes suggestions for professional development for mediators, and offers specific strategies for mediators to assist those who have limited literacy and numeracy. Show less

The project investigates learning and career development services for adults, particularly those who… Show more

The project investigates learning and career development services for adults, particularly those who are in some way disengaged from the labour market or educational systems. The study considers whether a single career development service model could be broadly applied. The study found that many older job seekers or those marginally employed needing career advice were reluctant to seek it, and that such advice was best provided by agencies which are community-based, affordable and impartial. Show less

This report investigates factors that influence the decision-making process of applicants and the ou… Show more

This report investigates factors that influence the decision-making process of applicants and the outcomes of post-school applications using the 2001 Survey of Education, Training and Information Technology. It finds that inability to obtain any place at a university or vocational education and training institute in 2001 was very low, but considerably higher in terms of getting a place in a preferred course at a preferred institution. The report adds to the understanding of what is known about the prevalence and causes of unmet student demand for tertiary education, a sensitive issue which is often not well understood. Show less

The demographic changes in Australia's labour market present challenges for technical and further ed… Show more

The demographic changes in Australia's labour market present challenges for technical and further education (TAFE) institutes. Within TAFE institutes, in which the teaching workforce is older than the overall national labour force, the imminent departure of many teachers endangers its prime asset - its skill and knowledge base. This report examines the approaches managers and leaders in 16 TAFE institutes have undertaken to sustain, develop and renew their workforce and build their organisation's knowledge. It finds that TAFE managers now recognise that maintaining and developing their organisation's skill base is imperative, but that finding approaches to sustain TAFE in the longer term requires more attention. Show less

This report aims to describe and assess the relationship between life satisfaction and participation… Show more

This report aims to describe and assess the relationship between life satisfaction and participation in further education, training and employment in young Australians. The overall discovery was that young Australians are generally very satisfied with their life and careers. It was found that those in full-time education, training or employment, or a combination of these, had higher levels of satisfaction than those occupied only part-time. In addition, those young Australians occupied part-time were more satisfied than those who were not studying or were unemployed. Two aspects of these young people's lives were assessed to gain this information: satisfaction with their careers and satisfaction in their general lives. Research report no. 43 This report, published by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), is part of the Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY) research program. Show less

The subjects that Year 12 students choose to study for their secondary school certificate have a maj… Show more

The subjects that Year 12 students choose to study for their secondary school certificate have a major influence on the educational and career options left open to them after finishing school. This study looks at what the typical clusters of subjects or course types studied by Year 12 students are. It also investigates whether these have changed as a result of the increased participation in vocational education and training (VET) subjects and with the apparent broadening of subject choices across the Key Learning Areas. The report looks at whether there are particular courses that are more likely to be studied by males or females, or those from different social backgrounds. It also analyses what field of study or work students from particular course types tend to lean towards. Research report no. 42 This report, published by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), is part of the Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY) research program. Show less

This booklet gives teachers and trainers in vocational education and training some easily digestible… Show more

This booklet gives teachers and trainers in vocational education and training some easily digestible information about learning styles. It provides practical tips on how to identify students' learning styles, and how to respond to individuals and groups based on their preferred methods of learning. There is not a 'best' theory about learning styles; however, understanding learning styles theories helps teachers to observe their students more systematically and be more methodical in experimenting with alternative teaching approaches. Show less

This report explores the ways in which Indigenous Australians are learning through enterprise and sm… Show more

This report explores the ways in which Indigenous Australians are learning through enterprise and small business development. It reveals that this learning will be more effective if it takes into account that Indigenous experience differs by location, with remote areas offering a significant challenge. Learning through Indigenous business is most effective where learning is tied to earning; the content is customised; it is carried out in parallel to real work; and is put into practice through employment in commercial business. Show less

This report examines links between prisoners' participation in the vocational education and training… Show more

This report examines links between prisoners' participation in the vocational education and training (VET) programs available within the Queensland prison system and their chances of returning to prison. The findings reveal that being involved in VET before initial release decreases the chances of returning to prison from 32% to 23%. Nevertheless, particular attention needs to be given to designing a comprehensive range of programs targeted at meeting the needs of individual prisoner groups, particularly for Indigenous prisoners. The research supports efforts to promote the value of VET and its role in prisoner rehabilitation, and to reduce barriers to accessing VET in correctional centres. Show less

This report investigates the relationship between students' attitudes to school and their intentions… Show more

This report investigates the relationship between students' attitudes to school and their intentions to participate in education and training. It follows how these attitudes influence participation in Year 12 and also in further education and training. Their educational intentions and attainments are looked at within the context of earlier school achievement, social background, geographic location, language background and gender. The study found that the correlation between intention to proceed to Year 12 and actual participation is very high where as the correlation between intention and entry to higher education is moderately strong. Research report no. 41 This report, published by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), is part of the Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY) research program. Show less

How employers perceive, use and value vocational education and training qualifications is an importa… Show more

How employers perceive, use and value vocational education and training qualifications is an important, but also complex, issue. This report captures the views of a small number of employers within 14 different companies, over eight industries. The broad conclusion is that employers place high value on learning and capability and competence, irrespective of whether this leads to, or is reflected in, qualifications held. The detailed findings offer valuable insights for both employers and providers. Show less

This publication explores adult literacy and numeracy. It draws on major insights from a wide body o… Show more

This publication explores adult literacy and numeracy. It draws on major insights from a wide body of recent research commissioned by NCVER and funded by the Department of Education, Science and Training. It shows that literacy and numeracy practices change over time, and that the literacy challenge is not confined to those people traditionally considered to be poorly educated or unsuccessful. It also affects people looking to understand new forms of communication and technology, for example. In addition, it considers Australia's place in the international arena, looks at strategies for integrating literacy into unconventional learning environments, and at ways to ensure the continuing strength of the teaching workforce. Show less

This report aims to provide a clearer understanding of how and why enterprises use nationally recogn… Show more

This report aims to provide a clearer understanding of how and why enterprises use nationally recognised type of training. It finds that an enterprise's decision to engage in recognised training is not made lightly and decisions are made afresh each time a new training need arises. Successfully embedding training in enterprises involves a three-phase process - engagement, extension and integration. In most cases, it is dependent on: positive initial engagement; extension of training through a 'VET evangelist' who 'sells' the benefits of recognised training and persuades management; and, integration of competency standards associated with recognised training into many human resource processes. The availability of funding strongly influences whether enterprises use recognised training. However, one of the key reasons why more enterprises have not taken up this training is lack of awareness. Show less

A systematic review of research is a decision-making tool for policy and practice. It is a piece of… Show more

A systematic review of research is a decision-making tool for policy and practice. It is a piece of research in its own right, using explicit and rigorous methods that follow a standard set of stages: to identify; critically appraise; and synthesise relevant research (both published and unpublished) to answer a specific question. This report documents the establishment of NCVER's own eight-step model for future systematic reviews of research. Show less

Many older Australians are up-skilling or retraining to maintain gainful employment or pursue other… Show more

Many older Australians are up-skilling or retraining to maintain gainful employment or pursue other interests. This study, a systematic review of existing research, set out to find evidence that skill development activities for the mature-aged lead to improved employment opportunities and improved productivity. It also looks at what factors act as barriers or facilitators to these key outcomes, and the implications of this review for vocational education and training policy and practice and research. Show less

This report investigates the characteristics and motivations of students who do not complete the tra… Show more

This report investigates the characteristics and motivations of students who do not complete the training course they enrol in. It finds that non-completion is associated with poor educational background and unemployment and also finds that the numbers of students who leave vocational education and training without any achievements are over estimated, and improvements to data systems are needed. Show less

This report looks at the pathways of recent school leavers who enter the higher education sector in… Show more

This report looks at the pathways of recent school leavers who enter the higher education sector in Australia. It focuses on the first three years following senior secondary school. It aims to provide estimates of the proportions of entrants who change courses or leave the higher education sector before completing a course. It will also identify factors associated with course change and attrition within the higher education sector and investigate the initial education, training and labour market destinations of those who leave the higher education sector before completing a qualification. Research report no. 39 This report, published by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), is part of the Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY) research program. Show less

This report aims to research the importance of the transition from secondary school to higher educat… Show more

This report aims to research the importance of the transition from secondary school to higher education as the first year experience can have a major impact on later study options and participation. It questions how satisfied tertiary students are with their initial experiences of education at university and TAFE and what areas of their transaction have been difficult; looks into who are most likely to change course or institution, or to defer study or withdraw and the reasons behind these decisions; and examines the experiences of students from rural or isolated areas and indigenous students. Research report no. 40 This report, published by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), is part of the Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY) research program. Show less

The aim of this study is to discover whether it is beneficial for all young people to complete schoo… Show more

The aim of this study is to discover whether it is beneficial for all young people to complete school. It provides estimates of the benefits of additional years of schooling for young people assessed as non-academically inclined. Evidence shows that further years of education can be detrimental to some young people. The report concludes that policy makers should ensure reasonable alternatives such as job openings, traineeships and apprenticeships are are not ignored and that the varying needs of all young people are met. Research report no. 38 This report, published by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), is part of the Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY) research program. Show less