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.
During the past decade both Australia and China have implemented reforms to their educational systems to develop labour force skills for the new globalised markets. This report describes the major features of the vocational education and training sectors in China and Australia, and their strategies and reforms, with emphasis on links between secondary and post-secondary vocational education and training.
This 'At a glance' consolidates a range of research into online learning and delivery undertaken within the Australian Flexible Learning Framework for the National Vocational Education and Training System 2000-2004. This publication focusses on the extent, scope, quality features, student support needs and cost-effectiveness of online learning and delivery.
This study of school students in workplaces looks at their perceptions of what they learned, why and how. It also examines the application of learning from school in the workplace and vice versa. An extension of the report by Smith and Green, "School students' learning from their paid and unpaid work".
An exploration of possible reasons why some students who enrol in VET do not complete their courses. Using interviews with past students and statistical evidence of course enrolments, author Peter Grant provokes an in-depth discussion of the factors that complicate any analysis of course completion. His report makes a valuable contribution to our understanding of the issue of course completion in the VET sector as well as the methodological issues that need to be considered in any such study. The pattern that emerges shows a complex interaction of personal and practical factors why students leave vocational courses before they have completed their qualification.
This report provides an outline and discussion of the support needs and services required for students to achieve successful outcomes while studying online. The findings of the report are based on a literature review, surveys and follow-up interviews with students studying online and with teachers/co-ordinators delivering online. The focus of the surveys and interviews is on students' expectations of the services either currently provided or required to be provided to ensure their success.
Ten industry training packages are investigated to assess how much focus they give to the attainment of generic skills. Author Susan Dawe draws on recent case studies of ten Australian industries where generic skills are taught in companies and TAFE institutes using training packages. This in-depth study also examines approaches that can enhance the delivery of generic skills so that students are better prepared for the new demands of the workplace.
This is a report of research undertaken to investigate the current linkages between schools and small enterprises. In particular it examines the literature on structured workplace learning (SWL), identifies the issues and concerns common to the schools and enterprises that took part in the study and develops a model framework for SWL.
This report presents results from the 1997 TAFE Graduate Destination Survey and from interviews conducted in 1998 with staff from nine courses in entry-level office skills. The aim of the report is to compare satisfaction ratings and the outcomes achieved by graduates from courses at similar levels and in similar fields of studies across different training organisations.
This project examines different ways in which young people still at school experience workplaces through paid work, vocational placements and work experience. The study is based on a survey of students in Years 10, 11 and 12 in 13 schools in NSW and SA. In fact, 1451 responses were received. In addition, case studies were carried out in five schools.
This study investigates the differences in terms of outcomes between those who completed courses at diploma level and those who chose to complete only portions of these courses. It draws on the 1999 Student Outcome Survey and compares data on graduates and module completers who either completed or undertook modules within associate diploma, diploma or advanced diploma courses. The report analyses the data on graduates and module completers by age, prior highest qualification employment, industry of employment, field of study, reasons for undertaking study, why module completers did not complete their course, student satisfaction with the course, employment outcomes and income.
This study evaluates the effectiveness of online delivery of education and training in Australia. It reviews appropriate literature and research in order to identify, answer and address a range of controversial issues that inform the design and delivery of VET online.
This project investigates the usefulness of institutional data collections for monitoring student pathways between the following education sectors: schools, VET, higher education and adult community education. The main purpose of institutional data collections is to gather data for administrative as well as policy and planning purposes. The purpose of this project was to identify areas in which the current collections could be enhanced from the perspective of researchers who use the data.
This project provides an insight into the perceptions held by young people, businesses and educational authorities about the utility of new apprenticeships in the western region of Melbourne. It takes a critical look at new apprenticeships and aims to provide a way forward for all groups involved so that the quality of apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities and outcomes can be improved.
This report relating to the participation of women in the vocational education and training (VET) sector during 1999 was commissioned by the Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs, Vocational Education, Employment and Training (MCEETYA VEET) Women's Taskforce. Production of the report was funded by the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA. The purpose of the report is to provide an analysis of existing data from the national data collections and other relevant information to enable an assessment of the participation of women in VET in 1996 and 1999. In addition, the report also provides detailed information of participation of women from the various target equity groups in VET.
This study explored retention in apprenticeships and traineeships and factors that influence this process. The study is based on interviews with over 400 apprentices and trainees as well as with teachers, trainers and workplace supervisors. The study identifies a range of personal, industry, labour market, workplace and training factors that contribute to the likelihood of an apprentice or trainee completing their training. The study concludes with the view that retention is the collective responsibility of all parties involved - the individual, the employer and the provider of training.
This report is based on 14 case studies of schools in small rural communities in Victoria, Queensland and South Australia which are committed to the development and implementation of VET programs that are specifically tailored to meet the needs of the students and the community. The schools which took part in the study were chosen for participation on the basis of consultation with a range of rural education organisations in each State. These schools were identified as having established and well-regarded VET practices.
This report is a review of the literature, available research and current Australian practice on work placements. Its purpose is to draw together findings on work placements from three educational sectors in order to inform policy and practice in the VET sector.
This booklet provides guidelines for the development, implementation and evaluation of programs which aim to give students experience in the workplace. It emphasises the importance of structured workplace training which leads to the achievement of specific objectives and learning outcomes. Also highlighted is the need to prepare students and employers for their specific roles in the training and assessment process, and to provide all participants with specific information of what is expected of them.
This report looks at students' and teachers' perceptions of initial vocational education and training. It also reveals how students engage in learning in education and training, provides a description of current teaching practices, and shows the influences which shape learning and teaching in initial VET.