The changes that have occurred in vocational education and training over the last decade have profound implications for the focus of evaluation. Funding is becoming tied to outputs rather than inputs; a transition is occurring from a supply-side system to one which has some demand-side characteristics; the range of training providers is more diverse than it was; and there has been a change in emphasis from external controls to quality assurance mechanisms. To ensure that future decisions on vocational education and training are well founded, a National Research and Evaluation Strategy has been developed which is administered by NCVER. This discussion paper is intended to inform the further development of the national strategy by strengthening its focus on evaluation.
This report showcases the results of the Australian National Training Authority Research Advisory Committee (ANTARAC) project by describing five approaches taken by the VET team on the impact of research on VET decision-making. It shows that research has affected decision-making, but not in the way that people think. The great value of research is in building the climate of opinion which can, in turn, assist the decision-making process.
Documents the state of evaluation in vocational education and training in Australia. Describes the history and current state of evaluation, and makes recommendations for improving the use that is made of evaluative techniques.