Vocational learning: innovative theory and practice

This book discusses four theoretical aspects of vocational learning that support understanding of vocational learning processes and practices: the situations of vocational learning; the power and roles of social networks and identity in vocational learning; knowing and knowledge management processes; and the implications for pedagogic practices in both informal and formal technical and vocational education and training (TVET) systems. It provides examples of innovative approaches to vocational education theory and practice, including insights into aspects of TVET for Indigenous peoples, and discusses policy implications for Europe, North America and Australia. After an introductory chapter entitled ‘Introduction: innovations in theory and practice’ by Ralph Catts, Ian Falk and Ruth Wallace, the book is presented in four parts. Part one, ‘Theoretical aspects of vocational learning’, contains: Social partnerships in learning: connecting to the learner identities of disenfranchised regional learners / Ruth Wallace; Where ‘the TVET system’ meets the performativity of vocational learning: borderlands of innovation and future directions / Ian Falk and Kaler Surata; Constructing learners as members of networks / Jo Balatti and Stephen Black; Competence as collective process / Nick Boreham. Part two, ‘Cross-cultural perspectives of vocational learning’, contains: Indigenous Dot Com: e-learning in Australian indigenous workforce development and engagement / Ruth Wallace and Rhonda Appo; Vocational learning by native Americans in the USA / Cornelia Butler Flora and Mary Emery; TVET identities in knowledge work: gender and learning in a globalized industry / Irene Malcolm. Part three, ‘Vocational learning practice’, contains: New forms of learning in German TVET: theoretical remarks and empirical results / Michael Gohlich and Nicolas Schopf; Good practice models for using TVET to address skill shortages: a case study from health / Sue Kilpatrick, Susan Johns, Patricia Millar, Georgina Routley and Quynh Le; Vocational education pedagogy and the situated practices of teaching core skills / Roy Canning; Literacies in the learning careers of students / Richard Edwards and Kate Miller. Part four, ‘Looking ahead’, contains: Vocational learning in the frame of a developing identity / John Guenther; Mature adult learning and employment / Ralph Catts; Learning in working life: identity and workplace learning / John Field; The impact of self-perception and vocational learning / Larry Smith and Margaret King; Vocational learning futures / Ralph Catts, Ian Falk and Ruth Wallace. Show less