CEO MESSAGE
eNews Issue 16
CENTRE PROJECTS ACFE Roadshow ILeP Grant Funding Digital Educators Network VETiS Program TAELLN Program
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING VET Leaders Lunch Thought Leaders Inaugural Learning Lab 2015 Teaching and Learning Conference
CEO MESSAGE We see our role in VET workforce development as advising and assisting providers to refocus their business operations to be outcomes focussed and to develop a ‘change capable culture’ – responding and adapting to the rate of change is critical for RTO success. In my discussions across the sector, the top of mind issues facing providers, with respect to workforce capability building, can be summarised in three broad themes: • Building strategic alignment (across and within the organisation). • Developing People and Culture (soft skills, team building, performance management). • Ensuring Informed management (using multiple data sources; improving quality outcomes; managing the student experience). Within these three broad headings our programs continue to support providers to develop practitioner capability across the domains of professionalism, pedagogy, partnerships, products and process – our five ‘Ps’. Our Professional Learning Program for 2015 can be accessed here and I encourage you to register in the PD. Denise Stevens
recent meeting with minister herbert The Board Chair, Angela Hutson and the CEO recently met with Minister Herbert to discuss the broad workforce needs of the VET sector. The Minister identified that the VET sector is well placed to support industries in transition and also the 6 new and emerging industry priority sectors
identified as part of government policy. But a critical factor is ensuring that VET practitioners have relevant industry currency and practice to support the changing profile of industry – and this may be a challenge for some providers. The Centre supports the development of these skills through grants to
providers and the provision of professional development and focused webinars. A continuing focus will be on improved teaching practice to ensure better outcomes for unemployed and disadvantaged Victorians.
international visitors A recent delegation from Brazil (pictured above right with Denise Stevens) was particularly interested in hearing about the work of the Centre to develop workforce capability and understanding more about the main components of the Australian VET sector.
The focus of the discussion was around the Elements of the Australian VET System, summarised as Vision, Regulation & Funding and Delivery & Advice – as per the diagram below:
In particular the various delegations have a focus on the issues around quality teaching and learning practices and methodology to ensure that the VET workforce maintains educational and vocational standards to meet industry requirements. It is interesting to note that the issues are essentially the same, the difference is scalability.
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ACFE Professional Development Roadshow The VET Development Centre together with the ACFE Board (Adult Community and Further Education) have designed and developed a fully funded 2015 professional development program for Learn Local providers. The ‘Roadshow’ will feature 8 workshops, incorporating digital learning solutions alongside information on traditional learning and assessment techniques. The workshops are as follows:
Wednesday 18 March
Motivating your team for success
Friday 17 April
Making the move online – Setting up a digital learning plan
Tuesday 21 April
Develop assessments that work for you and your learners
Wednesday 6 May
Fine tuning your assessment tools
Wednesday 20 May
Developing the digital experience – Engagement strategies for e-learners
Wednesday 3 June
Teaching strategies for successful facilitation
Friday 19 June
Building the right blend – Designing learning activities for digital deliveries
Friday 24 July
Expanding your digital skills – Teaching techniques for online facilitation in Moodle
All workshops are fully funded for Learn Local/ACFE staff. If you are eligible and interested in attending the workshops, or would like a brief description of each workshop, please click here.
VET Teacher Indigenous Program Throughout April and May, the Centre will be conducting a workshop series to help VET practitioners to support Indigenous learners in overcoming barriers to education, training and employment. This program is designed to build the level of specialised knowledge, skills and expertise in VET teachers/trainers working with Indigenous learners, is designed for VET teachers from providers across Victoria who currently deliver training programs to Indigenous students. Only providers who have a 2015 VET Funding contract under the VTG are eligible to participate in this fully funded program. The Centre is providing 25 fully funded places for the workshop series, and participants are required to attend all 3 workshops. Workshop 1 – Cultural Awareness and Diversity This workshop will build awareness, understanding and provide insight into Indigenous culture and the issues faced by Indigenous learners. With increased awareness knowledge and understanding, teachers will enhance the learning experience for Indigenous learners, and grow their capability as a teacher.
Workshop 2 – Building Teaching Skills to Facilitate Learning with Indigenous Students With a focus on integrating Indigenous cultural awareness into teaching practice, this workshop will discuss ways to build a culturally inclusive learning environment. Maximising outcomes of Indigenous learners can be achieved by understanding the issues facing them, using a supportive and informed approach.
Workshop 3 – LLN for Indigenous Students Research in the field of Learning & Development outcomes for Indigenous learners highlights the importance of supporting LLN strategies as part of an Indigenous learning program. This workshop will share and showcase key LLN issues facing Indigenous learners and explore strategies to improve literacy and numeracy support.
Response to this initial workshop series exceeded expectations and consequently this first program is already fully booked. A second program has been developed with further information available here.
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Inaugural learning Lab On Thursday 5 March, the Centre hosted its inaugural Learning Lab. The Learning Lab was an interactive day designed to give teaching professionals the opportunity to explore and implement innovation and technology in the education space. The focus was on how to simply use technology in education, and to showcase, demonstrate and share innovative ways to improve teaching practice using digital technologies. The day commenced with a keynote from Julian Ridden. He highlighted the fact that the issues we currently face when integrating technology in education have not really changed in the past 200 years; and that,
the most important and consistent element has been the role of the teacher in facilitating change. The day revolved around a series of interactive labs with industry experts, exploring digital themes and trends currently at the forefront of education. Participants had hands on experiences in using Rapid eLearning software, Augmented and Virtual Reality, educational social media and interactive video engagement. During the day, the Interactive Marketplace allowed participants to speak to vendors who were exploring innovative approaches to teaching technology and ways that
they could be used in VET. The day concluded with a panel discussion enabling participants to ask specific questions to the Lab technicians about the critical issues facing VET educators. A rich discussion was had by all. All in all a successful day, filled with educational interactivity, hands on activity and connected collaboration. Congratulations to Connie Vitello of Kangan Institute for winning the door prize of an Articulate Storyline License and training from eCreators.
Learning Lab: attendees and speakers using some of the latest innovations in education technology
DIGITAL EDUCATors NETWORK 2015 Now in its 4th year, the Digital Educators Network still continues to support VET practitioners working with digital learning pedagogies. This year the DEN has expanded and now provides VET teachers more opportunities to engage, collaborate and expand their digital teaching practice. The DEN gives members access to a collection of professional learning experiences, which will enable them to enrich their digital capability while being supported in a connected community. The 2015 Digital Educators Network membership includes: Five webinars throughout 2015 showcasing innovative ways to use technology in your teaching practice. NEW! Access to a series of online professional development podcasts #PDpod NEW! Access to a collection of useful links, tips and resources to maximise digital delivery NEW! Access to online support and knowledge sharing forums NEW! Fully facilitated resource centre and Help Desk It’s not too late to join. Click here for more information.
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Teaching fellows Graduation The Teaching Fellowship program is one of the Centre’s flagship programs and since it began in 2005, has supported over 200 VET professionals. The Fellowship program supports new teachers (with one to four years’ experience) by providing a comprehensive development program that builds on their teaching and educational leadership capability.
like to hear of their future plans to build on their professional growth. The Centre congratulates all the 2014 Teaching Fellows. To find out about the 2015 Fellows Program, please click here.
Below: 2014 Graduate Teaching Fellows at the graduation ceremony
Below:
In 2014, a total of 26 Fellows – teachers from TAFE, ACFE providers and private RTOs – undertook study in the Diploma in VET and in some cases the dual diploma - Diploma of VET and Diploma of Training, Design & Development. They also participated in the professional learning program managed by the Centre. On 19 February, the Fellows of 2014 celebrated their achievements at the official graduation. We are proud to welcome them to our alumni and would
VALA Sponsorship The Victorian Applied Learning Association (VALA) is the peak organisation for applied learning practitioners. It offers leadership, development and advocacy for educators of applied learning across all sectors. Recently, the Centre sponsored VALA’s VCAL induction day, where new teachers and coordinators were
guided through the VCAL framework in relation to literacy, numeracy and project based learning. As in past years the 2015 Induction Day at the Box Hill Town Hall (left) was very well attended with many of the attendees being teachers new to VCAL and eager to attend the variety of workshops on offer.
2015 Professional learning program With the Centre’s 2015 Professional Learning Program underway, the time is now to consider a range of workshops, webinars and forums to help shape your learning and assessment outcomes and increase your professional development portfolio. The Centre now provides an annual Professional Learning Program to help you plan your professional development throughout the year.
Our Professional Learning Framework has been developed to target skills gaps and areas for continuous development. Additionally, we can offer customised programs for in-house learning, based on the needs of your students, or learning institution. Please contact us here to learn more about customised programs. The program for 2015 can be viewed and/or downloaded by clicking here.
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Help at hand For VETis Teachers
The Centre’s TAELLN Program
The new fully funded Professional Development Program for Secondary teachers was launched on 12 February 2015 with a sold out workshop!
Fully funded opportunities to achieve the unit TAELLN411 Address adult language, literacy and numeracy skills are now available through the VET Development Centre
Participants from Government schools, Catholic schools and Independent schools responded enthusiastically to the presentation on Transition to the New Standards and Getting Contracting Right. Presenters Chloe Dyson and Leela Darval got the balance between presenting information, participant activity and responding to questions just right prompting participant comments such as: • Well presented and very engaging presenters. • Very useful going through the contracts, some key clauses in the new standards was also good. This popular series is filling quickly and eligible participants (secondary school employees) are invited to investigate the PD offerings and book their places by clicking here.
The qualification is available through the completion of two (2) learner centred activity based workshops that will deliver attendees knowledge and skills needed to support learners with LLN needs. Topics covered in the workshops include:
• Evaluating delivery and assessment practice. Philippa McLean has developed the program on behalf of the VET Development Centre. She has extensive expertise with Adult LLN and the VET sector, including the delivery of Professional Development and project work for the adult LLN sector at a statewide and national level.
• An overview of the unit and the assessment requirements of TAELLN411.
Philippa will be providing TAELLN411 in a manner that supports teachers in successful completion through an interactive delivery and relevant, achievable assessment.
• Gathering the evidence- The Balance Triangle (individual LLN skills; delivery and assessment requirements; workplace requirements).
The delivery is auspiced through Bendigo Access Employment, who will issue Statements of Attainment for the unit. Click here to find out more about the program.
• Implementing and evaluating LLN strategies in the VET classroom.
Up to 5 participants per provider and from providers who have a 2015 VET funding contract under the VTG can access the funded places.
• Accessing resources and LLN specialist support.
Thought Leaders Another successful Thought Leaders was held on Tuesday 10 March with Professor Yvonne Hillier from the University of Brighton (UK).
Following the presentation, Professor Hillier fielded questions relating to JPD and VET development in Australia from members of the VET sector.
Professor Hillier’s presentation explored the dynamics of Joint Practice Development (JPD) - a teacher-led approach that aims to improve teaching and learning skills through collaborative practitioner research.
If you would like to know more about JPD and its application, Professor Hillier has co-authored Reflective Teaching in Further, Adult and Vocational Education. Now in its 4th edition, copies of the book can be ordered here.
In her presentation, Professor Hillier provided the theoretical framework for JPD in VET, providing examples of successful UK projects/programs where JPD was utilised.
The next Thought Leaders event will be held on Tuesday 20 October. Keep an eye on the events calendar on the VET Development Centre’s website for information regarding the next Thought Leaders for 2015.
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Professor Yvonne Hillier with Denise Stevens
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iLeP grant funding The Department of Education and Training (DET) supports professional development initiatives for vocational training practitioners as part of its commitment to quality training outcomes for the Victorian vocational training system. DET has funded the VET Development Centre to deliver a range of professional development programs and services to the sector over the period 2015-17. A major focus of this funding is to support building the digital capability of VET educators. As part of the funding arrangements, the Centre developed #ILeP - an integrative capability building model and will fund projects from providers to build the digital capacity of their workforce. The projects range from innovative use of technology in assessment, to establishing sound digital methodology in instructional and education design frameworks. The projects fall under 7 major themes: #ILeP is designed to support innovation and address the needs of a changing learning culture. It seeks to enlarge practitioner capabilities in VET digital pedagogic practice by strengthening educational design, pedagogy reform, and socially constructed sharing activities. The integrated approach of the program and broad cross section of the projects will address the specific issues related to integrating digital technologies into teaching/learning practice and the needs of practitioners in relation to design, development and integration of digital pedagogic frameworks. The Centre is excited to support this innovation in VET and will be working closely with these providers to ensure successful fulfilment of the projects.
VET Leaders lunch THE 1st VET Leaders Lunch for 2015 was held at the Park Hyatt on Friday 13 March, with Professor Peter Noonan from the Mitchell Institute for Health and Education at Victoria University.
VET providers and potential students in terms of service delivery. To conclude his talk, Professor Noonan provided recommendations on funding models in terms of student eligibility for government funded places.
Professor Noonan’s presentation Financing tertiary education in Australia – the reform imperative and rethinking student entitlements explored annual funding to VET across federal and state governments, what it means to
The next VET Leaders Lunch will be held on Friday 16 October. Please check the events page of our website for future information.
Professor Peter Noonan with Denise Stevens
Catch up with the vet blog Stay across the critical issues of the day via the Centre’s VET BLOG. The latest blogs to be uploaded online are: Apprenticeship Staff Support Programme – UK Professional Development Initiative for Trainers National Adult Language, Literacy and Numeracy and Assessment Conference Summary of National Consultations on VET Reform Lifelong Learning is VET’s Service to Australia Paying for Tertiary Education in Australia - Governments and Students Footing the Bill 2015 Skills Conference - Group Training Association NSW & ACT
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Upcoming conferences WAVE Conference “Leaders, teachers, learners, leavers: women in the Australian VET market” DATE: Wednesday 8 April LOCATION: Victoria University Conference Centre COST: $50 (covers conference, afternoon tea and drinks) WAVE is a national network of women involved in VET, adult education and the broad field of work-related education and training. The 2015 National Conference features a wonderful line-up of speakers Australia-wide tackling the issues that face women in the VET Sector and workforce respectively. Please click here for further information (including the program) on the conference.
AVETRA 2015 “Walking the Tightrope: the Implication of Markets for VET Research, Policy and Practice” DATES: Wednesday 8 April – Friday 10 April 2015 LOCATION: The Rendezvous Grand Hotel, Melbourne, Victoria For further information, click here.
NCVER ‘No Frills’ Conference DATES: Monday 6 July - Wednesday 8 July 2015 LOCATION: University of Western Sydney – Parramatta Campus COST: $140 registration fee For further information, click here.
Australian international education 2025 Austrade is inviting the international education sector, including non-traditional players, to develop Australian International Education (AIE) 2025, a long-term market development strategy for the next decade. AIE 2025 will aim to maximise the sector’s contribution to Australia’s future economy, society and international standing and as such it sets two ambitions for the sector over the next ten years: 1. Can Australia move towards doubling the number of international students and visitors learning and training in Australia? 2. Can Australia increase the numbers of people overseas who are learning and training via Australian-developed courses or content? Austrade is seeking your input and collaboration throughout 2015 in the development of AIE 2025. The first of these consultations will be Austrade-hosted forums in major capital and regional centres across Australia in April 2015. You are invited to register for consultation workshops on the Austrade website.
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& 2015 TEACHING LEARNING
CONFERENCE
CHANGING GEARS Shifting to new ways of doing things DATES: Thursday 3 September - Friday 4 September 2015 LOCATION: RACV Torquay Resort, Victoria COST: $490 Inc GST (Accommodation not included; to be booked separately) The VET sector continues to respond to change which puts pressure on practitioners and providers to remain resilient and adaptive to learner needs. Staff at the Centre are already planning the 2015 conference to ensure that you are informed, ready and supported to engage fully, so it’s time to save the date for the 2015 Teaching and Learning Conference! The 2015 Conference will focus on change to ensure that you are supported in shifting to new ways of doing things. A range of keynote speakers and a series of workshops will address issues such as educational design, pedagogy and developing personal learning networks. For further information, click here.
Teaching and learning Conference 2015 – call for presenters now open The VET Development Centre is calling for presenters for the 2015 Teaching and Learning Conference. The focus for 2015 will be the ‘Changing gears’ of the VET sector and look at supporting practitioners in shifting to new ways of doing things. The presentations must align with of the following conference themes: Education design Pedagogy Developing personal learning networks How to apply If you are interested in presenting at the 2015 Teaching and Learning Conference please download and fill in an application form and return to Susanna Palermo, Event Manager at spalermo@vetcentre.vic.edu.au by Friday 17 April 2015. Don’t miss your opportunity to contribute!
& LEARNING 2015 TEACHING CONFERENCE
CHANGING GEARS
Shifting to new ways of doing things
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working with acpet Rod Camm, CEO of ACPET met recently with the CEO and the Board of Directors from the Centre to discuss further opportunities for collaboration and cooperation. In 2014, 45% of attendees at our Professional Learning Program were from private RTOs and the Centre funded 19 private providers’ projects to
enable improved workforce capability. Improving workforce capability across all sectors within VET ensures better outcomes for learners and industry. Left to right: Angela Hutson, Rod Camm and Denise Stevens
STAY CERTIFIED! The Centre provides all participants who attend our Professional Learning Program access to a free ePortfolio space where they can access a certificate of attendance and badges of completion. To access post-program resources, simply log in to the Resource and Network Portal and click the certificate icon to download. It’s that easy! You will also be able to access post-program learning resources and participate in informal learning opportunities with fellow participants. These are just some of the professional learning benefits that are offered by the Centre.
EVENTS From 1 April, the Centre will only accept payment via credit card (VISA or MasterCard) when registering for events online.
VIEW OUR OUR 2015 CALENDAR BY CLICKING ON THE CALENDAR ICON ABOVE
Connect with the centre Stay connected with news and events in the vocational education and training sector through the Centre’s social media pages and the VET Store.
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