The Eighth International Literacy & Education Research Network Conference on

SPETSES, GREECE
4-8 July 2001

Veronica Volkoff
Co-Director, Post Compulsory Education and Training Research Centre, Faculty of Education, Language and Community Services, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Jane Perry
RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Learning on the Road: Building Expertise for Work in Globalised Contexts

Abstract

As globalisation and technological change create demands in developing countries for new forms of skill development, there is an urgent requirement for the establishment and renewal of training institutions and programs and the professional development of VET practitioners. The authors of this paper have been involved in vocational education and training development projects in India, China and South Africa. While facing the challenges of designing, developing and conducting these programs in multi-lingual and cross-cultural contexts, the authors have recognised the importance of integrating research and ongoing learning into their project work. Their reflection and analysis of learning 'on the road' has led to the development of a model which proposes principles, skills, knowledge and integrating capacities for international teams.

Using this model as a foundation, the authors have interviewed international VET practitioners to explore ways in which they develop and extend their expertise. This paper will

- examine the traditional definitions of professional development and propose a broader conceptual framework for professional development and

- present an analysis of how situated learning opportunities can be identified and maximised within international working contexts.

Bionote

Volkoff has extensive experience in designing, delivering and co-ordinating both pre-service and in-service, professional development programs for VET system personnel. She has designed postgraduate award courses for Australian and international students including for South African distance educators as part of the AusAID funded Australia South Africa Distance Education Project. Volkoff has also developed customised short courses for Australian VET system personnel and international clients including senior executives from CAAC (Chinese Airlines). She was also a member of the team which recently designed a five year, $20 million program of VET reform for the Chongqing Municipality in China to be funded by AusAID. Volkoff has designed and managed study tours for participants from China, India and Mozambique and has, through her many previous and current roles as a course co-ordinator, lecturer, researcher, consultant and State ACFE Board member, developed a widespread network of links with Australian public sector bodies, enterprises and industries. She has completed VET sector research projects in five States and one Territory, including ones on VET staff development for workplace training and the role of mentoring in VET staff professional development. She has recently completed an ANTA funded national, longitudinal study of the experience of VET participants from equity target groups and two national studies for NCVER on the delivery of VET for people from a non-English speaking background and the role of the adult community education sector in the delivery of VET.

Perry has extensive experience in a broad range of areas related to Vocational Education and Training and has worked in teacher development in a various countries. In Australia she has designed, developed and delivered more than ninety professional development programs in universities, TAFE institutes, enterprises, schools and community organisations. Her particular expertise includes: approaches to adult and vocational education, mentor programs, including mentor and protege training, language teaching methodologies, cross cultural communication, cultural diversity and training and facilitating learning in the workplace. She is an accredited and experienced workplace and RPL assessor and has worked in a wide range of industries. In addition, Perry has carried out education and training program evaluations and training needs analyses, provided curriculum development advice to the Ministry of Education. She has undertaken numerous projects including three for AusAID and a statewide project on workplace mentoring in change management. She was also a member of the team which recently designed a five year, $20 million program of VET reform for the Chongqing Municipality in China to be funded by AusAID. She also conducted training for management staff and master trainers to support the development of courseware for two new VET institutions in Sikkim as part of the AusAID India Australia Training and Capacity Building Project.

Presentation Type
30 min. Paper

Presentation Equipment and Other Requests
Data Projector please.

Speaking Date/Time Restrictions

Country
Australia