The intentions with which hands-on simulations are used in vocational education are not always clear. Also, pedagogical-didactic approaches in hands-on simulations are not well conceptualised from a learning theory perspective. This makes it difficult to pinpoint the added value that hands-on simulations can have in an innovative vocational…

This article investigates whether the characteristics of feedback identified by the literature can be found within written assessment records for work and competence-based qualifications. It uses a brief literature review and analysis of the formative feedback within 257 learner portfolios. The characteristics identified by the literature are…

Curriculum mapping is an increasingly common concept within the field of education. A joint project between La Trobe University and the Public Health Agency of Canada attempted to map public health competencies with learning objectives from online learning modules developed by the two organisations. As part of this project a literature review was…

In recent years, there has been a concern to re-negotiate the relationships been individual professionals working with the same people. So, for example, healthcare staff are expected to coordinate their activities and "work together." The end point is a collaborating together as a team of professionals often located in the same place.…

The Chinese economy is now a major driver of growth in the world economy. As a consequence, significant reforms were introduced which impacted on its educational systems. China is facing unprecedented pressure to produce skilled individuals to meet the demands of this rapid growth. China is in the unique position of operating in a dual system,…

In this paper we argue that learning in the workplace can bring considerable benefits for learners and employers. It draws on data from in-depth interviews and secondary sources from eight sites of work-based learning as part of wider research into the effects of five national policy mechanisms within the Learning and Skills Sector. We also have…

This article reports the views of managers and tutors on the role of policy "levers" on teaching, learning, and inclusion in colleges of Further Education (FE) in our research project, "The impact of policy on learning and inclusion in the Learning and Skills Sector (LSS)." Using data from five research visits conducted over two years in eight FE…

This article surveys three strands of development in the further education of young people in England since the Second World War: its institutional evolution, some aspects of the experience of its students and staff, and the political and economic imperatives that have given it shape and direction. The account draws upon a wide range of primary…

This review discusses the main research findings and conclusions of the Transforming Learning Culture in FE Project, which is part of the Economic and Social Research Council's Teaching and Learning Research Programme (TLRP). This review seeks to address some of the key issues arising from the TLC-FE Project that have a direct bearing on improving…

This article is a critical review of policy and literature relating to vocational education and training (VET) in schools in Australia. Over the past decade in Australia, VET in schools has grown considerably so that not only are nearly half of senior school students now involved, but also VET in schools represents around 10% of total VET…

This article is based on questionnaire data collected in November and December 2001 as part of the first year of fieldwork for the Economic and Social Research Council funded research project "Transforming Learning Cultures in FE" (TLCFE). In this initial survey, 229 questionnaires were returned from 15 learning sites in four further education…

Examines the current understanding of competence and move toward a holistic perspective. Uses examples from research to develop an interpretive-relational perspective in which the individual's conception of competence cannot be separated from the context of their work, situation, and experience. (SK)

Most states allow alternative teacher certification to compensate for teacher shortages or move private-sector specialists into teaching. The instructional and cost effectiveness of such teachers, especially regarding special needs students in vocational education, lacks conclusive research evidence. (SK)

A literature review found that business spending on vocational education and training varied by size, specialty, and location. Business interest in return on investment differed from government goals for encouraging training investment and may not be aligned with long-term national goals for laborforce development. (SK)

A literature review was organized by three theories: career as life process, as individual agency, and as meaning-making. Although the objective career is a major component, subjective meaning-making plays a significant role in career development. Understanding of career development should integrate several perspectives. (SK)