2001 conference archive

Overview

Research to reality: putting VET research to work reflected a major challenge facing VET research by the time of the fourth Australian Vocational Education and Training Research Association conference in Adelaide on 28-30 March 2001. Following previous AVETRA conferences on emerging interests (Sydney), quality and diversity (Melbourne) and future research / research futures (Canberra), the Adelaide Conference Planning Committee believed the time was ripe for exploring relationships between research and practice. In particular, it was time to probe what impact VET research might be having on practice, and how VET practitioners could perceive themselves as researchers and explore research possibilities in their work. Thus the theme of putting VET research to work was deliberately worded. It was to signify not only the close links between vocational education and training and the world of work, but also the desire of VET researchers to see their processes and products of genuine assistance to end-users.

The conference provided the opportunity to hear about the latest research being conducted in the VET sector at universities, by national and state/territory agencies and, most importantly, by VET providers and schools themselves. It gave the sector the chance to support and recognise those involved in VET research in all its forms. These people have been building the sector’s capacity to reflect critically on its policies and practices and improve all that the sector does. The conference was about taking research and making it live, breathe and be useful. And it was equally about providing a forum for researchers to build networks and to be informative, challenging and practical.

Collaboratively planned to link in with the UNESCO/UNEVOC Conference – Vision to action: TVET planning and real results for the 21st century (26-28 March) – this AVETRA conference fulfilled a week of stimulating ideas in beautiful Adelaide. The international flavour added a valuable dimension, with contributors from such countries as Norway, China, England, Germany, New Zealand, USA, France, Korea and Samoa. The Conference was also multi-dimensional and cross-sectoral, with participants including teachers and trainers in public and private VET providers and schools; university VET researchers; teacher educators; private consultants and researchers; representatives from government departments; personnel from industry training advisory bodies, enterprises and unions; and students.

The conference fielded a record number of papers and poster sessions (around 100 on the Thursday and Friday), plus a number of professional development workshops on the Wednesday.

Day one was set aside for practical activities and involved a range of workshops of interest to VET practitioners and new and experienced researchers alike. Five sessions based at either Glenunga International High School or the University of South Australia (Underdale Campus) included:

* VET in schools: the research and the practice (Kym Clayton,
Jan Edwards and Phil McKenzie)
* On-line delivery: doing good things on the net (Joan Cashion,
Phoebe Palmieri and Sarojni Choy)
* Better assessment outcomes: an interactive workshop
(Berwyn Clayton and Peter Thomson)
* Making workplace learning work: what the research says and
how to make it happen (Susan Young)
* Information and information sources: getting the good goss on
the sector (Sarah Hayman and David John).

In addition, an Australian Vocational Education and Training Teacher Educators’ Colloquium (AVTEC) meeting was convened. AVTEC is a group of people involved in the preparation and development of VET professionals in Australia. Also, an AVETRA Executive meeting was held.

Days two and three were held at the Hilton Adelaide and devoted to keynote speakers (Kaye Bowman, Andy Smith, Brian Gilbertson, John Dawkins, Peter Kirby), an international panel (Madeleine Woolley – Chair, David Atchoarena, Kisung Lee, Yufeng Liu, Levaopolo Tupae Esera) and presentations and posters from VET researchers covering a wide range of research sub-themes, including:

1. translating research into practice

2. practitioners as researchers

3. forming and fostering research partnerships

4. lifelong learning and continuous and
recurrent VET

5. research for quality improvement

6. VET online

7. identifying new research directions.

The full text of the papers is available at 2001 conference papers. They are indexed in alphabetical order by author.

In addition copies of the papers which were blind peer reviewed by two reviewers to comply with the verification requirements for DETYA E1 conference publications (full written paper refereed).

Themes

The conference sought to map and describe research conducted by universities, TAFE Institutes, other VET providers, Industry Training Advisory Bodies (ITABs), private consultants, unions and teachers, trainers and students to examine the implications of such diversity on:

* translating research into practice
* practitioners as researchers
* research partnerships
* lifelong learning, continuous and recurrent VET
* research for quality improvement
* VET online, new industries, science and technology
* identifying new research directions.

 

2001 Abstracts & Papers

All abstracts and papers are stored online in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader software to view them. Download the Adobe Acrobat Reader here if you do not already have it installed on your computer.

Note: Where there is no link for a conference paper, please contact author direct for further details.

2001 Conference Abstracts and Papers

Dr Tilahun Mengesha Afrassa
Factors influencing the employability of VET graduates over time: a PLS analysis
Abstract | Paper

David Atchoarena
From Research to Reality: an international perspective (international panel)
Paper

Leoni Arandez, Les Comley & Sue Holden
Do TAFE institutes walk the talk – are they models of learning organisations?
Abstract | Paper

Eunice N. Askov & Mary Simpson
Researching Distance Education: Penn State’s Online Adult Education M. Ed. Degree on the World Campus
Abstract | Paper

James Athanasou
Young people in transition: Factors influencing the educational-vocational pathways of Australian school-leavers
Abstract | Paper

Katrina Ball & Stephen Lamb
School non-completers: Outcomes in vocational education and training
Abstract | Paper

Kate Barnett & Craig Harrison
A model to increase the participation in VET by students with a disability
Abstract 

Llandis Barratt-Pugh
Searching for extended identity: the problematised role of managing people development, as illuminated by the Frontline Management Initiative
Abstract | Paper

Susan Baxter & Nicola Yelland
Bringing research & policy development together – The DETYA Research Fellowship Scheme
Abstract

Stephen Billett
Workplace affordances and individual engagement at work
Abstract | Paper

Kaaren Blom, David Meyers et al
Innovative and flexible approaches to training package implementation
Abstract | Paper

Andrew Boorman
How institutions respond to training packages
Abstract | Paper

Gerald Burke
Trends in educational expenditure
Abstract | Paper

Merilyn Childs
Keeping death out of the curriculum: workbased learning through scenario methodology in emergency services
Abstract

Sarojni Choy, Cathy McNickle & Berwyn Clayton
Online support for VET clients: expectations and experiences
Abstract

Berwyn Clayton, Robin Booth & Sue Roy
Maximising confidence in assessment decision making – springboard to quality in assessment
Abstract | Paper

Andrew Clements & Geoff Speers
Development of an industry training strategy for the abattoir industry in NSW
Abstract | Paper

Jim Cumming & Christine Owen
Reforming schools through innovative teaching
Abstract | Paper

Lester Davis & Stewart Hase
Self-determined learning in the workplace
Abstract | Paper

Thomas Deissinger
Quality control and employability: Are the parameters of VET in Germany’s dual system facing severe challenges?
Abstract | Paper

Cathy Down
Learning for transfer – a framework for action
Abstract | Paper

Cathy Down & Jane Stewart
Implementation of training packages at RMIT
Abstract | Paper

George Eraclides & Vivien Archia
Teachers’ difficulties in teaching students with disabilities
Abstract | Paper

Elizabeth Evans
Interpreting educational research using statistical software
Abstract | Paper

Ian Falk
Colloquium – Leadership in VET (four NREC projects – over two sessions)
Abstract

Jane Figgis
Colloquium – What, if anything, is a training/learning culture? (four NREC projects – over two sessions)
Abstract

Bruce Gilbertson
Opening Pandoras’ Box (KEYNOTE)
Abstract | Paper

Malcolm Goff & Jennifer Nevard
PEEL, education and TAFE learning model: a regional WA response to collocation
Abstract | Paper

Steve Goldsmith
Curriculum development and discursive practices: Building a training culture around dual diagnosis
Abstract | Paper

Lauri Grace
Adult learners and barriers to success in VET flexible delivery programs
Abstract | Paper

Stewart Hase & Chris Kenyon
Moving from andragogy to heutagogy in vocational education
Abstract | Paper

John Henry, John Mitchell & Susan Young
Workbased learning in the contemporary Australian VET sector: A re-appraisal
Abstract | Paper

John Henry, Lyn Wakefield & Peter Smith
Flexible delivery as a ‘whole organisation’ operation: What does this mean in practice?
Abstract | Paper

Anne Herbert
Action learning as professional development for vocational educators
Abstract

John Hunter & Geoff Sanderson
Training Packages: the scientific management of education
Abstract | Paper

Meredith Isbell
The position of women in production in the process of manufacturing industry in SA: implications for VET
Abstract | Paper

Susan Johns, Sue Kilpatrick, Bill Mulford & Ian Falk
Thinking outside the box: A remove VET-schools program challenges traditional boundaries
Abstract | Paper

Robyn Johnson & Geof Hawke
Drivers of learning cultures within organisations: Findings from case studies
Abstract | Paper

Anne Jones
It’s a judgment call: The significance of ‘rugged individualism’ and ‘assessor communities’ in making assessment judgements
Abstract | Paper

Jack Keating
Qualifications frameworks in Britain and Australia – a comparative note
Abstract

Peter Kell
Issues in VET research: current crisis and potential possibilities?
Abstract | Paper

Lola Krogh
Action research as action learning as action research as action learning …. at multiple levels in adult education
Abstract | Paper

Michaela Kronemann
TAFE Teachers: Facing the challenge
Abstract | Paper

Megan Lugg
Helping school-based VET teachers make meaning of their work
Abstract

Yufent Liu
The development and reform of vocational education in China
Abstract | Paper

John Martino & Sue Holden
Increasing opportunities for apprenticeships and traineeships in Melbourne’s western region
Abstract | Paper

Claire McBeath
Evaluating teacher training for industry trainers
Abstract | Paper

John Intyre & Mez Egg
Urban disadvantage and provider equity strategies
Abstract | Paper

Heather McKay
Embracing post-modernism in classroom practice
Abstract | Paper

Cathy McNickle & Rhonda Daniell
Online student services: an overview of provision
Abstract | Paper

Josie Misko & Edward Slack
Destinations of school-leavers who took advantage of structured work placements as part of their VET course
Abstract | Paper

John Mitchell
The challenges in developing VET competencies in e-commerce

Abstract | Paper

John Mitchell, Susan Young & Sarah Wood
Internal and external factors affecting the impact on an organisation of a national staff development program
Abstract | Paper

Alan Montague
What are the mitigating conditions that prevent the uptake of apprenticeships and traineeships among secondary school adolescents in Victoria?
Abstract | Paper

Gavin Moodie
Translating practice into research: how we have come to define and structure ‘vocational’ education
Abstract 

Dianne Mulcahy
Unravelling aspects of the Frontline Management Initiative
Abstract | Paper

Oanh Phan
The effectiveness of enabling courses in assisting individuals to progress to other training programs.
Abstract | Paper

Heather Pitt
Degrees go to TAFE: Transition experiences in a multi-sectoral institution
Abstract

Karen Plane
Community capacity building in regional VET – the place for small business in developing a lifelong learning community. Disparate workplace learning cultures or similar challenges for VET?
Abstract | Paper

Zoe Reid
Literacy and first line management
Abstract | Paper

Kerry Renwick
Learning about learning online
Abstract | Paper

Ann Rice
The world of work of a TAFE institute manager
Abstract | Paper

Ian Roos, Chris Selby Smith & Liz Wright
Misfit and match: The Frontline Management Initiative in the community services and health industry
Abstract | Paper

Santi Ruiz, Richard Earl, Julie Ruiz & Pam van den Broeke
IT Training Package and the workplace context – how?
Abstract | Paper

Kay Sanderson
Performance level assessment – developing quality and consistency through research partnerships
Abstract 

John Saunders
ACE-VET linkages: Provider, student and industry views
Abstract | Paper

Stephan Saunders
Using training indicators to improve VET planning
Abstract | Paper

Lesley Scanlon
Student experiences of generic competency learning: A case of practitioner research
Abstract | Paper

Kaye Schofield, Anne Walsh, Bernice Melville & Deborah Bennett
Professional practices online: renovating past practices or building new ones?
Abstract | Paper

Jerry Schwab
VET in school for indigenous students: Success through ‘cultural fit’
Abstract | Paper

Chris Selby Smith
The impact of research on decision-making by practitioners
Abstract | Paper

Jan Shepherd
Supporting women returning to work – A European perspective
Abstract | Paper

Sue Shore
Racialised discourse and adult learning principles: some thoughts about ‘difference’ in VET
Abstract | Paper

Michele Simons & Roger Harris
Different realities: staff development in public and private providers of VET
Abstract | Paper

Janet Simpson
Managing the transformation to an e-learning organisation
Abstract | Paper

Linda Smart & Ben Fennessy
Technology – an empowering tool for learning
Abstract | Paper

Andy Smith
Never mind the width, feel the quality: improving VET research in Australia
Paper

Erica Smith, Annette Green & Ros Brennan
A foot in both camps: School students and workplaces
Abstract | Paper

Heather Smith
Training the TAFE sessional workforce: a new dynamic in professional development.
Abstract | Paper

Peter Smith, Lyn Wakefield & Ian Robertson
Testing the feasibility of strategies to enhance flexible delivery in the workplace
Abstract | Paper

Lucy Stockdale & Erefilly Potter
Development of online evaluation for improving customer service at Kangan Batman TAFE
Abstract

Lucy Stockdale & Heather Symons
Workshop: Survey methods user group (SMUG)
Abstract

Ruth Trenerry
Learning work, learning to work: Literacy, language and numeracy as vehicles for learning in training packages
Abstract | Paper

Peter Turner & James Mulraney
Learning from small enterprise structured work placement
Abstract | Paper

Judith Uren
Increasing successful outcomes for TAFE students
Abstract | Paper

Christine Velde
Perceptions of vocational education and learning in Japan and Australia: A comparative study
Abstract

Regine Wagner & Merilyn Childs
Dilemmas in workbased learning
Abstract

Anne Walsh
Problems to problematics – a journey
Abstract | Paper

Louise Watson
Who pays for lifelong learning?
Abstract | Paper

Leesa Wheelahan
Research, policy & practice: how do they fit together? A case study on pathways and articulation at VUT
Abstract | Paper

Karen Whittingham, Tilda Lupton & Odwyn Jones
Discussion Group: AVETRA Science & Technology Applied Research in TAFE (START) network
Abstract

Karen Whittingham, Fran Ferrier & Cliff Trood
The missing link? The VET sector and Australia’s national innovation system

Paul Williams
New Zealand’s review of industry training policy: A small step forward or the start of something new?
Abstract

Graeme Young
Using research to inform business and strategic decisions
Abstract | Paper

Susan Young & John Mitchell
National change management and staff development needs in VET
Abstract

POSTERS

Jenny Cherry
The role of the workplace assessor
Poster

Centre for Research and Learning in Regional Australia (University of Tasmania)
Call for an integrated model for VET qualit
Poster

Marilyn Kell
Falling through the gaps
Poster

Barbara Rohde
The romance and reality of IT for young women
Poster

Cliff Trood
The diffusion of policy in contexts of practice: Informal networks and innovative practice
Poster