Evaluating On- and Off-the-Job Approaches to Learning and Assessment in Apprenticeships and Traineeships. Australian Apprenticeships.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Evaluating On- and Off-the-Job Approaches to Learning and Assessment in Apprenticeships and Traineeships. Australian Apprenticeships.
Language: English
Authors: Strickland, A., Simons, M., Harris, R., Robertson, I., Harford, M., Edwards, A., National Centre for Vocational Education Research, Leabrook (Australia).
Availability: National Centre for Vocational Education Research, 252 Kensington Road, Leabrook, South Australia 5068, Australia (Cat no. 606: free-available only on the NCVER website). Tel: 08 8333 8400; Fax: 08 8331 9211; e-mail: vet_req@ncver.edu.au; Web site: http://www.ncver.edu.au. For full text: http://www.ncver.edu.au/research/proj/nr9020.pdf.
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 110
Publication Date: 2001
Sponsoring Agency: Australian National Training Authority, Melbourne.
Document Type: Reports - Evaluative
Tests/Questionnaires
Descriptors: Adult Education, Adult Learning, Apprenticeships, Auto Mechanics, Classroom Environment, Cognitive Style, Developed Nations, Education Work Relationship, Educational Quality, Educational Research, Foreign Countries, Hospitality Occupations, National Surveys, Outcomes of Education, Postsecondary Education, School Business Relationship, Student Attitudes, Student Evaluation, Teaching Methods, Trainees, Vocational Education, Work Environment
Geographic Terms: Australia
ISBN: 978-0-87397-709-8
Abstract: A study explored learning and assessment experiences of Australian apprentices and trainees (A&Ts) using focus groups of 66 stakeholders in every state and territory; case study analyses of 20 diverse sites; and a national questionnaire of 595 A&Ts in motor mechanics and hospitality work. Stakeholders viewed apprenticeships and traineeships as serving objectives relating to entry to the labor market and provision of training pathways leading to nationally recognized qualifications. Approaches to learning and assessment varied by mix of learning and assessment undertaken, degree of formality, and extent to which they were undertaken by qualified trainers or left to employees working with A&Ts. Learning strategies that were interactive, treated learners as adults, and that were responsive to learning needs and styles were of greatest benefit. A&Ts had their learning and assessment expectations met, but that was more likely in cases where learning and assessment occurred in a combination of workplace and off-site experiences. A&Ts indicated each learning environment has its strengths and limitations. Achieving quality learning and assessment systems for A&Ts revolved around these two foci: (1) constant monitoring of the balance between needs of the enterprise and of A&Ts; and (2) developing and sustaining effective partnerships among A&Ts, employers, and training providers. (Appendixes include 74 references, instruments, case study profile, and additional data.) (YLB)
Entry Date: 2002
Accession Number: ED462613
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:A study explored learning and assessment experiences of Australian apprentices and trainees (A&Ts) using focus groups of 66 stakeholders in every state and territory; case study analyses of 20 diverse sites; and a national questionnaire of 595 A&Ts in motor mechanics and hospitality work. Stakeholders viewed apprenticeships and traineeships as serving objectives relating to entry to the labor market and provision of training pathways leading to nationally recognized qualifications. Approaches to learning and assessment varied by mix of learning and assessment undertaken, degree of formality, and extent to which they were undertaken by qualified trainers or left to employees working with A&Ts. Learning strategies that were interactive, treated learners as adults, and that were responsive to learning needs and styles were of greatest benefit. A&Ts had their learning and assessment expectations met, but that was more likely in cases where learning and assessment occurred in a combination of workplace and off-site experiences. A&Ts indicated each learning environment has its strengths and limitations. Achieving quality learning and assessment systems for A&Ts revolved around these two foci: (1) constant monitoring of the balance between needs of the enterprise and of A&Ts; and (2) developing and sustaining effective partnerships among A&Ts, employers, and training providers. (Appendixes include 74 references, instruments, case study profile, and additional data.) (YLB)
ISBN:978-0-87397-709-8