All publications

New information and communication technologies are changing literacy practices at an unprecedented… Show more

New information and communication technologies are changing literacy practices at an unprecedented rate. As literacies are being transformed by technological change, electronic communication and the globalisation of knowledge, this poses new questions and challenges for literacy educators. Using a case study approach, this report examines the interaction between new and emerging digital Show less

It is well documented that individuals with poor verbal, reading and writing skills face… Show more

It is well documented that individuals with poor verbal, reading and writing skills face disadvantages. However, many individuals with such difficulties lead successful lives. This project investigated the ways in which ten individuals have achieved success despite difficulties with literacy and learning. Show less

This study focuses on the general question of the value of vocational qualifications to employers… Show more

This study focuses on the general question of the value of vocational qualifications to employers by considering three areas in which the economic value of vocational qualifications to employers is evident: in prerequisites specified in job hiring, in employment levels of people with different qualifications, and in the wage levels of people with different qualifications. The findings indicate Show less

This project investigates the uptake of e-learning in two countries (Australia and Korea) which… Show more

This project investigates the uptake of e-learning in two countries (Australia and Korea) which have experienced a rapid expansion of the use of information technology in education and training. A key finding is that although e-learning can increase flexibility and cost efficiencies in the delivery of training, it cannot on its own guarantee successful learning outcomes for students. The way in Show less

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 Show less

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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