All publications

This research examines the strengths and weaknesses of CBT as it is currently applied to the… Show more

This research examines the strengths and weaknesses of CBT as it is currently applied to the Australian VET system and whether there is cause to consider a broader approach to defining and describing competence and hence considering how best teaching and learning in VET is delivered and assessed. Show less

This is the first of two reports which examine how the VET sector initially responded to COVID-19… Show more

This is the first of two reports which examine how the VET sector initially responded to COVID-19 through the increased use of online training delivery and begins to explore possible implications this might have on future training delivery modes. Show less

This report explores some of the key issues associated with the assessment in VET and reflects on… Show more

This report explores some of the key issues associated with the assessment in VET and reflects on some possible solutions. Show less

This paper argues that assessment can play a central role in teaching and learning, and selecting… Show more

This paper argues that assessment can play a central role in teaching and learning, and selecting an appropriate mix of assessment strategies can satisfy multiple goals of key stakeholders in vocational education and training. These goals include promoting learning, certifying learning and program evaluation. These objectives must be understood in a broad context delineated by the structures of Show less

Rubrics are a tool that can be used to provide graded assessment for articulation from vocational… Show more

Rubrics are a tool that can be used to provide graded assessment for articulation from vocational education and training (VET) into higher education. By mentoring teachers to use rubrics and interviewing them to determine their experiences in using them, the author explored the potential of rubrics as an assessment tool. Overall, teachers found rubrics not only useful for grading assessments Show less

An analysis of student verbatim responses in the Student Outcome Survey provides suggestions for… Show more

An analysis of student verbatim responses in the Student Outcome Survey provides suggestions for how the vocational education and training (VET) system could be improved. Show less

This discussion paper arises from a research project investigating the extent to which… Show more

This discussion paper arises from a research project investigating the extent to which practitioners believe the Certificate IV Training and Assessment (TAA04) qualification provides an effective foundation for the delivery and assessment of training in the VET environment. This paper focuses on the history of the TAA04 and outlines some of the key issues relating to the quality of delivery. The Show less

This paper aims to contribute to the discussion on the quality and accessibility of underpinning… Show more

This paper aims to contribute to the discussion on the quality and accessibility of underpinning knowledge in competency-based training. It uses the Vocational Graduate Certificate and the Vocational Graduate Diploma in Education Design in a Queensland TAFE institute to examine how the 'traditional' knowledge and theory associated with higher-level qualifications can be accommodated within the Show less

The difficulties experienced by vocational education and training (VET) teachers in delivering the… Show more

The difficulties experienced by vocational education and training (VET) teachers in delivering the generic employability skills embedded in industry training packages are considered in this paper. Show less

Ways of assessing and acknowledging the range of outcomes in non-accredited community adult… Show more

Ways of assessing and acknowledging the range of outcomes in non-accredited community adult language, literacy and numeracy programs are explored in this study. The instruments it tested take account of the diversity of learner needs and motivations. The study highlights that these assessment methods can bring benefits both to the learner and the tutor, especially when they are completed jointly Show less

Mp3 of interview conducted by Steve Davis with Roger Harris and Berwyn Clayton about their report… Show more

Mp3 of interview conducted by Steve Davis with Roger Harris and Berwyn Clayton about their report 'Supporting vocational education and training providers in building capability for the future'. Show less

The two-year consortium program, 'Supporting vocational education and training providers in… Show more

The two-year consortium program, 'Supporting vocational education and training providers in building capability for the future' focused on approaches to help VET providers build their capability. These eight papers include a program overview, key contextual issues of concern to VET stakeholders, as well as the overall findings and key messages of each specific research activity. An MP3 audio Show less

This report identifies what individual learners and industry clients want from vocational education … Show more

This report identifies what individual learners and industry clients want from vocational education and training (VET) and proposes how these needs can best be met. It also identifies a tension between compliance and creativity which needs to be addressed in quality frameworks at the system level. In addition, providers need to reshape their structures and modify their cultures so they are open Show less

The National Reporting System (NRS) was developed to report the outcomes of English language,… Show more

The National Reporting System (NRS) was developed to report the outcomes of English language, literacy and numeracy provision in Australia's vocational education and training and adult and community education sectors, and in labour market programs. Since its introduction, however, the NRS has been used as more than a reporting tool. It has also been used for setting standards and for curricular Show less

Communication and other literacy skills are vital to public safety organisations. This report… Show more

Communication and other literacy skills are vital to public safety organisations. This report investigates the impact literacy levels may have on the ability of volunteers to meet demands for more formal training and assessment. The role of these organisations to develop the skills of people in rural and remote communities is also considered. The research finds public safety organisations are Show less

This report provides a literature review and history of approaches to quality assurance of… Show more

This report provides a literature review and history of approaches to quality assurance of assessment in the vocational education and training (VET) sector in Australia and overseas. It also examines eight potential models that can be used by individual or groups of assessors within a training organisation. The models include a diagnostic assessment tool, an assessment principles checklist, and Show less

This report highlights the diversity of assessment methods used in flexible delivery modes of… Show more

This report highlights the diversity of assessment methods used in flexible delivery modes of teaching across Australia's vocational education and training (VET) sector. While assessment practice is underpinned by training package and course curriculum requirements, other factors influence the methods teachers and assessors choose. These include the availability of qualified workplace assessors, Show less

This report documents a new approach to assessing problem-solving skills. This approach uses an… Show more

This report documents a new approach to assessing problem-solving skills. This approach uses an assessment tool that incorporates problems that participants routinely experience in their courses and in the workplace. Assessment is performance and evidence based. The assessment tool was trialled among students in the Electronics and Information Technology Program at Torrens Valley Institute of Show less

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

This report is based on a survey of vocational education and training students who were studying… Show more

This report is based on a survey of vocational education and training students who were studying online, as well as discussions with teachers. It describes what makes for a quality online learning experience and provides suggestions for organisations delivering training online. Show less