468-221 Contexts in VET

468-103 Contexts of Workplace Training

The first third of this subject will consist of a general development of critical frameworks drawing upon sociocultural and philosophical perspectives. These frameworks will analyse national VET policies, practices, and programs and contribute to conceptualisations of workplace and social change as a whole. In particular, the changing nature of skill formation, teacher-learner relations, sectoral relations, equity and access, and the significance of globalisation will be examined. After this general development, in the remaining two-thirds of the subject, four specific areas will extend these analyses: schools - pathways, retention, participation, pedagogy, structural reform and the tension between vocationalism and liberal learning; TAFE - links and tensions between schools, higher education and employers, and between industrial and enterprise goals and markets in the light of community and access expectations; industry - private provision and consultancy, training and workplace learning and assessment, and organisational development will all be examined as socio-cultural phenomena; rural - the provision of regionally-focused, locally-significant and accessible learning opportunities and study programs using community-based and information technology resources will be addressed.

Essays, assignments and/or class presentation equivalent to 4000 words.