Teaching in the VET sector in Australia

Abstract

Teaching in the VET sector in Australia, edited by Ros Brennan Kemmis and Liz Atkins, Sydney, New South Wales, David Barlow, 2014, 185 pp., RRP $55, (paperback), ISBN 978-1-921-33361-3This soft-cover book about teaching in the vocational education and training (VET) sector in Australia is a collection of relevant and thought-provoking topics written by 15 highly experienced researchers and practitioners. The editors are Dr Ros Brennan Kemmis AM, Associate Professor at Charles Sturt University in New South Wales, and Dr Liz Atkins, Senior Lecturer in VET at Federation University in Victoria. A dynamic vocational education environment in Australia was the catalyst for the publication, evident from the editors' involvement and experience in national vocational education research and teaching projects. In conjunction, the 15 authors provide extensive expertise on topical issues such as the context of the VET environment in Australia; learning theory for VET teachers; assessment; language, literacy and numeracy; eLearning; and engaging with industry. In particular, Chapter 4 on Assessment in the VET sector, written by Professor Michele Simons from the University of Western Sydney and Anni Yaringa from North Coast TAFE, is one of the topics that will be extremely useful to practitioners. It is investigated further in this review.The format of the book is based on chapters that have an easy-to-navigate plan outlining key words, an abstract and objectives, followed by the chapter topic then ideas for further reading in both print media and online. Within each topic, there are useful reflective learning activities and questions that can be utilized to trigger further discussion. What is especially useful is that the topics are brief snapshots of current VET issues that are substantiated with references from the literature. On the other hand, while the topics and references to peak bodies and organizations are current, a reservation is that as the sector is rapidly changing, these references to certain bodies will become obsolete.There are three educational sectors in Australia: the school sector, the VET sector that delivers specific workplace skills, knowledge and competencies, and higher education. VET is provided by a range of providers from industry, adult education, community organizations and private training providers, often bridging the school-to-work cohort of learners. Teachers in VET come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, while learners in VET may range in age from 15 to 90 years with a range of learning needs. Since VET provides a valid educational pathway through the range of qualifications (as learners develop relevant skills, knowledge and competencies), extensive knowledge of the VET context and system is crucial for practitioners both within, and on either side, of the VET system in being able to meet the needs of learners and businesses.Current industry-specific knowledge is integral for teachers and facilitators in assisting learners in developing workplace skills. However, industries are changing so rapidly that it is an enormous task for teachers in simply keeping on top of these developments. …