Search Results

This evidence review report was commissioned on behalf of all education ministers to synthesise what is known about effective remote learning. It takes stock of lessons learned through the [Coronavirus Disease 2019] COVID-19 period, as well as those gained from earlier, pre-pandemic experiences. The review was administered by the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) and conducted by the Centre for International Research on Education Systems (CIRES) at Victoria University.

The review found that there were a range of strategies in use during the COVID-19 pandemic. The effectiveness of these in supporting student outcomes in remote learning is unclear, with some research suggesting that student outcomes have declined. Of particular importance, the review found the current evidence base on remote and online teaching practices is too immature for detailed guidance for teachers to be confidently developed, or for systems to put in place broader supports (for example, for parents and carers). Further research will enable systems to more confidently plan in the event of future crises and support improved remote and online delivery in conventional use.

Summary from publisher's website. Show less

The first stage of the Skills and Jobs for Melbourne's West project has identified there will be marked growth in the West of Melbourne working age population over the coming decade, when compared to the rest of Australia. Strong levels of employment are required to support this population. However, the jobs worked in by West of Melbourne residents will increasingly be outside the West and be predominantly in Inner Melbourne. Increasing levels of commuting has a large social and economic cost. Despite the outward movement of West of Melbourne residents for work, two thirds of respondents to an employer survey said they are facing a skills gap 'now' or foresee they will struggle to hire skilled staff 'in the future'. The challenges faced by employers in the West of Melbourne are not only a lack of skilled people: there are issues in staff retention, career development, progression and building employees' skills. A related challenge is that only a third of employers responding to the survey had links with education and training providers, impeding their ability to use training to overcome some of these challenges. This paradox of large scale commuting to work outside the West of Melbourne, alongside a local skills shortage, is largely due to a mismatch of skills. The skills currently needed within the West of Melbourne do not closely align with the skills possessed by the West of Melbourne population. There is a need to increase local employment opportunities for West of Melbourne residents, and to ensure these residents have the specific skills local employers are seeking. This includes fostering effective linkages between employees, employers, training providers and government.

Authors' abstract. Show less

The Skills and Jobs for Melbourne's West project is focused on the area covered by the following six Councils: Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Moonee Valley, and Wyndham. The project provides a strategic plan for achieving the West of Melbourne's future skills and jobs needs. Building on the findings of the first phase of the research which explored employers' perceptions across four focus industry sectors, the Pillar 1 report [available in VOCEDplus at TD/TNC 147.684] identified three key impediments to sustained employment growth: (1) fragile networks between employers and education and training providers; (2) impediments to skill development by residents; and (3) insufficient local jobs.

While the Pillar 1 report focused on four key industries to uncover challenges faced in the West, this report extrapolates findings across all industries and its strategic plan has two dimensions. Firstly, a set of strategic directions encompassing focal Enablers and Strategies is identified. Together these will ensure an adequate supply of skills in the West alongside strong connections, so that employer demand for skills is met. An overarching feature of these strategic directions is that they join industry and education. Secondly, an initial stimulus is required to recalibrate the labour market by stabilising the level of commuting to jobs outside the West. This is illustrated as a local jobs plan focused on Sunshine.

Edited excerpts from publication. Show less