All publications

This report discusses the extent to which generic skills are valued by students and vocational educa… Show more

This report discusses the extent to which generic skills are valued by students and vocational education and training (VET) teachers and why. It also considers how generic skills are taught and strategies for further encouraging the acquisition of these skills in VET courses. Show less

The processes of leadership - the event, situation and context - in vocational education and trainin… Show more

The processes of leadership - the event, situation and context - in vocational education and training (VET) are the focus of this report. Leadership in this context is not seen as an attribute of a particular person, but a process that has four stages for solving a problem - the trigger stage, the initiating leadership stage, the developmental leadership stage and the sustainability stage. The study finds effective leadership occurs collectively and continuously. Show less

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfer have become widely accepted and applied in t… Show more

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfer have become widely accepted and applied in the vocational education and training (VET) sector throughout the 1990s. This review documents their development between 1995 and 2001, giving an overview of Australian research with analyses of national data for the period. This report documents how and where RPL is applied and its perceived benefits and barriers. It also discusses emerging issues and implications for VET. The authors put forward policy proposals regarding RPL and credit transfer to enhance the flexibility of training and assessment in the VET sector and assessment practices nationally. Show less

This report examines issues the performance indicators used to compare Australia's vocational educat… Show more

This report examines issues the performance indicators used to compare Australia's vocational education and training (VET) system against other countries. Specifically, it presents an outline of the main indicators currently used and examines some of the problems associated with their application. A framework for developing a set of indicators to assist the understanding of the effectiveness of Australia's VET system using international comparisons is also included. Show less

This report investigates the conduct of assessments at diploma and advanced diploma levels. It highl… Show more

This report investigates the conduct of assessments at diploma and advanced diploma levels. It highlights differences between four certificate levels and two diploma levels in terms of the competency standards, assessment environment and assessor skills. The research also identifies a number of actions which can improve the quality of assessments at diploma and advanced diploma levels. Show less

This study examines the impact of implementing a quality system in Australia's vocational education… Show more

This study examines the impact of implementing a quality system in Australia's vocational education and training (VET) sector. Specifically, the report investigates a quality system and how it is put into practice in TAFE institutes, and the impact of implementing such a system on the learning environment. This study is aimed at practitioners and other stakeholders interested in the implementation of a quality system in the classroom and its fit with wider national quality initiatives. Show less

How well has traditional teaching practice adapted for online learning? This two-volume report looks… Show more

How well has traditional teaching practice adapted for online learning? This two-volume report looks at the process of teaching and learning online as well as the function, work and 'art' of a teacher or trainer. Brennan examines the principles and practices which underpin the pedagogy of online delivery from various vantage points and identifies which features most assist student learning. These principles are used to analyse the current practices of online delivery of the VET courses sampled for this study. Volume 2 contains the data and survey material used in the main report. Show less

This report looks at what helps organisations develop their capability in online learning and what h… Show more

This report looks at what helps organisations develop their capability in online learning and what helps them develop a strategic approach to offering and supporting online learning. A multi-stage qualitative process was used to gather data from students, teachers, developers and stakeholders engaged in online learning in four providers drawn from regional areas in three states. Show less

Online learning in regional areas is examined in this report. Data from eight providers across four… Show more

Online learning in regional areas is examined in this report. Data from eight providers across four states are analysed, with closer examination of nine courses. The report is published in two volumes. Volume 1 is the main report and volume 2, which is available in PDF format only, contains the case studies. Show less

This volume is a companion to The development of quality online assessment in vocational education a… Show more

This volume is a companion to The development of quality online assessment in vocational education and training, Volume 1. The detailed report of the project is contained in volume 1 while volume 2 contains the appendices. Show less

An overview of the extent and usage of online learning in Australia's vocational education and train… Show more

An overview of the extent and usage of online learning in Australia's vocational education and training (VET) sector is presented in this report. Show less

The use and potential of online assessment is investigated in this report. It identifies: *the princ… Show more

The use and potential of online assessment is investigated in this report. It identifies: *the principles of quality assessment *assessment practices that can be supported with online technologies *methods and tools that work *factors that influence choice and design on online assessment methods. The report is published in two volumes. Volume 1 is the main report and volume 2 contains the appendices and is available in PDF format only. Show less

A companion document to Learning online: Benefits and barriers in regional Australia - Volume 1. Vol… Show more

A companion document to Learning online: Benefits and barriers in regional Australia - Volume 1. Volume 1 contains the main report while this volume contains the case studies. Show less

How well has traditional teaching practice adapted for online learning? This two-volume report studi… Show more

How well has traditional teaching practice adapted for online learning? This two-volume report studies the process of teaching and learning online as well as the function, work and 'art' of a teacher or trainer. Brennan examines the principles and practices which underpin the pedagogy of online delivery from various vantage points and has identified what features contribute to effective student learning. These principles are used to analyse the current practices of online delivery of the VET courses sampled for this study. Volume 2 contains the data and survey material used in the main repor Show less

This report examines the connections between e-business and online learning and considers the opport… Show more

This report examines the connections between e-business and online learning and considers the opportunities for the vocational education and training (VET) sector arising from these connections. The report includes examples of VET organisations developing customer relationship management systems and online enrolment systems, examples of VET organisations using e-marketing strategies and e-business to deliver a range of electronic services to students. Show less

This book of readings summarises and reflects on research about online delivery conducted under the… Show more

This book of readings summarises and reflects on research about online delivery conducted under the auspices of the Australian Flexible Learning Framework, and from other sources. Individual chapters address a range of issues related to flexible approaches to delivery in a number of contexts, including teaching practice and learners' views, operational issues, and online learning in companies and in regional and rural Australia. The first chapter by the book's editor provides an overview of this body of work. Show less

This case study of the high-technology companies established by the Australian Photonics Co-operativ… Show more

This case study of the high-technology companies established by the Australian Photonics Co-operative Research Centre and the Centre for Molecular Engineering Technology provides supplementary information to the summary report 'Going boldly into the future: A journey into the national innovation system'. The author gives detailed profiles of 14 high technology Australian companies which are all start-ups. The profiles describe the corporate structure, staff and management and the involvement of each company with the VET sector. Show less

This summary report is the result of a comprehensive study of Australia's emerging and potential ind… Show more

This summary report is the result of a comprehensive study of Australia's emerging and potential industries. It discusses how co-operative research centres are helping with the workskill needs of these emerging industries. Show less

This volume is a compilation of the company case studies used in a comprehensive study of Australia'… Show more

This volume is a compilation of the company case studies used in a comprehensive study of Australia's emerging and potential industries, their impact on the national innovation system and their relationship with co-operative research centres. Other related volumes are 'Going boldly into the future: Skills and Australian high technology start-up firms', by Karen Whittingham of the Australian Photonics Research Centre, also the main study report, 'Going boldly into the future: A VET journey into the national innovation system' by Fran Ferrier and Clifford Trood of the Monash University Centre for Employment Education and Training. Show less

This report focusses on the professional culture of vocational education and training (VET) practiti… Show more

This report focusses on the professional culture of vocational education and training (VET) practitioners and the impact of changes in the VET sector on their work. The themes covered include commercialisation, administrative work, and educational and industry identity. The report also includes career biographies and provides insight into the working lives of VET practitioners, how their roles have changed and the range of work they now undertake. It is based on interviews with 28 VET practitioners working in TAFE,adult and community education (ACE), private colleges, industry and schools. Show less