Welcome VALA members!

The year seems to be flying past.

The last VALA Conference was a great success, and we are in the process of using the feedback you offered to prepare for the next one, scheduled for August 13. As has been the case for the last few years, this conference will be in partnership with VISTA – The Association of VET Professionals and held at Sunshine Convention Centre. VALA/Vista Conference, 13th August 2008. Put the date in your diary now!

The VALA Committee of Management has grown, and I am proud to welcome new members Bruce Pridham (Latrobe University, Bendigo) and Gill Meek (Inner Eastern LLEN) to the team. The CoM is a diverse collection of professional educators all with a passion for applied learning. Sound like you? Our next intake of Committee members will be at the AGM later this year. Please consider. 

VALA has recently evaluated its service to members, and we have reviewed a wealth of feedback the membership. Our website www.vala.asn.au is a valuable resource and communication tool, but we think it can be better. Any guidance, direction or expertise will be welcomed. Expanding our events calendar and advocacy role is also on the cards.

Speaking of advocacy, VALA is preparing a submission to DEECD for the Evaluation of Community VCAL. More details later in the newsletter.

Applied Learning seems to be gaining a greater appreciation out there. At the recent ACE / TDA Conference in Hobart, various speakers heralded applied learning as the right medium to engage and teach the wily Generation Y. Victoria, with its VCAL program championing applied learning methodology at the senior secondary level, seems to be a step ahead of the rest of the country…. Keep up the good work!

La Trobe University is offering a Masters program in Applied Education that filled its enrolment quota in its first year. Applied teaching and learning delivered in Higher Ed in an applied format – excellent!

Please keep the Applied Learning flag flying high. Let us know what you are doing and keep talking to your peers about it too. All the best,

Andrew Williamson
VALA President

"Licence to Create"

VALA/Vista Conference
13th August 2008
Sunshine Convention Centre

The theme "Licence to Create" intends to celebrate the innovative and engaging approaches used to assist student centred learning through applied learning activities.

More details shortly

"Activating Applied Learning" VALA CONFERENCE REPORT

The VALA 2008 Conference was held at Moonee Valley Race Course on Thursday 28th February. The  theme was “Activating Applied Learning” and there was a large variety of workshops, including community organisations (CFA, Red Cross, Victorian Police, Duke of Edinburgh, Second-Strike, Advance, Life Saving Vic, Scope, Work Safe) who offered a variety of applied learning opportunities. There were over 240 people who attended the day and gained benefit from the richly diverse workshops and programs.

Here’s what some of the delegates had to say:

“It was a fantastic conference! One of the best ones I’ve been to yet.”

“Thanks for the opportunity to hear great ideas from teaching professionals. It was really encouraging!”

“The “Activating Applied Learning” Conference was a great day and allowed me to gain new knowledge in the area of applied learning. It was also an opportunity to talk with others. The networking was brilliant!”

“I came away with practical ideas which I will implement immediately, thanks!”

“The VALA conference was a very rewarding and thought-provoking day.”

“I’m looking forward to next year!”

To see some photos from the conference, visit http://www.vala.asn.au/feb08conf/pics.htm

BRIGHT FUTURE FOR VCAL AWARD WINNERS

Victorian students who raised money for brave young cancer patient Tyler Fishlock and another student who became a much-loved helper in an aged care centre are among the winners in this year’s Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) Achievement Awards.

Education Minister Bronwyn Pike today presented awards to 47 students, nine teachers and eight community partner organisations from across Victoria for their outstanding achievements in 2007. “All of the VCAL Achievement award winners have shown great enthusiasm, commitment and dedication to their individual projects and have set a fine example for others across the state,” Ms Pike said. “For example, Narre Warren South P-12 student Scott McGuinness led a group of fellow students to raise thousands of dollars to support young Tyler who lost both his eyes to cancer. “That’s a fantastic effort and shows how students are getting involved in community-minded projects that are making a difference.

”Ms Pike said the Brumby Government is committed to giving young Victorians the skills they  need for the jobs of the future, with $47.7 million invested over four years to support the implementation of VCAL. “VCAL is getting great results for thousands of students across Victoria, helping them to take up an apprenticeship, enter the workforce or continue study at a TAFE institute,” Ms Pike said.

“The latest figures from 2006 show that 63 per cent of VCAL students had secured an apprenticeship, traineeship or employment and 23 per cent had re-enrolled in further training or study.” Ms Pike said the awards also celebrate the exceptional efforts of committed teachers and community partners who play significant roles in the VCAL success.

Among this year’s winners are teachers at Berwick Secondary College who delivered a program, including a camp where students assisted with the St Vincent de Paul Soup Van, distributed hygiene packs to Wesley Mission and donated toys, blankets and food to the Lort Smith animal shelter.

Another project involved helping to revitalise the Goulburn River in the heart of Shepparton using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to assess the infestation of noxious weeds and the growth of red gum seedlings.

“The awards demonstrate the huge benefits of schools and communities working together to build the skills and confidence of young people who are preparing to enter the workforce,” Ms Pike said.

VCAL has experienced dramatic growth since its first official year in 2003, when more than 5000 students at 222 schools, TAFE institutes and Adult Community Education centres studied the certificate.  In 2007, 418 providers were delivering VCAL to more than 14,000 students, an increase of more than 175 per cent in enrolments. Unlike the VCE, widely used as a pathway to university, VCAL is aimed at Years 11 and 12 students who are more likely to go on to TAFE, an apprenticeship or the workplace after school. VCAL providers involved in running programs in 2007 nominated students, teachers and organisations for the VCAL Achievement Awards with winners selected by an expert panel.

Ready for Take Off 10,9,8,7,6………….
New Master of Education (Applied Learning) La Trobe Uni Bendigo

La Trobe University Bendigo has launched a new Masters of Education (Applied Learning) to commence Semester 2, 2008.  Enrolments and enquiry have been very strong for the new course. The program is an acknowledgement of the growth in Applied Learning in schools across the state and the increasing need for professional development of teachers and educators. The program has been designed to provide higher degree qualifications for those whose study, research and/or professional interests are in the area of applied learning and design. The program will be recognised by VIT under the new professional development guidelines.

The course offers students the framework to explore applied learning in an Australian context, and the opportunity to enhance their understanding of programs and initiatives in a range of international settings. The program offers candidates flexibility in modes of study and unit selection, with the opportunity to undertake professional development in their area of interest to enhance a graduates career opportunities in the wider community and/or teaching profession. 

The Master of Education (Applied Learning) is a flexible program that can be completed within a 12 month period and is available in two strands.
           
Strand 1. Course work and Minor Thesis or
Strand 2. Course work only.

The Masters program is designed to develop critically reflective professionals. Students are trained to understand and interpret research and research evidence.

1. Applied Learning In An International Context The unit provides students with an opportunity to explore international trends and developments in applied learning. Students will undertake comparative educational study and analysis of an educational system or program from a selection of countries outside Australia. Students will have the option to undertake an overseas study tour examining in detail the applicable systems and programs of the host country/ies or alternatively undertake a comprehensive comparison based on research.
Students will have the opportunity to visit a range of schools and other providers of vocational education and training. Students will also attend a range of seminars hosted by educational leaders and institutions that have an involvement in applied learning programs and initiatives.

2. Applied Learning Theories This unit aims to develop students’ critical understanding of the historical emergence and diversity of theories associated with applied learning internationally, including claims made for programs framed by these theories. 

3. Applied Learning Programs and Applications The unit provides students with the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding and awareness of the role of applied learning and the impact on the learners in a range of educational settings. These may include primary and secondary schools, vocational education and training and the adult and community education sectors. Students will undertake research into a selected program or preferred area of interest analysing the impact on the learners, the learning community and key stakeholders.  The unit will explore the relationship between learning and appropriate assessment. It will address how to use the assessment method that best ‘fits’ the learning content and context.

4. Research Methodologies & Applications. The aim of the unit is to present a conceptual overview of the major methodologies that could be used to conduct educational inquiry. Educational research has made use of a wide range of methodologies, methods or techniques from the human sciences such as sociology, psychology, anthropology and history. Within this unit, the distinction between methodologies, methods, and techniques is discussed. The ways in which reality is perceived, questions are framed and data is gathered, analysed, presented and interpreted are explored for a number of research paradigms, loosely grouped under the rubric of "Qualitative" and "Quantitative".

5. Independent Study / Negotiated Project In this unit students examine an area of theoretical and/or professional interest not covered in other subject offerings. Students negotiate with a supervisor the specific problem to be investigated; the means by which the problem can be resolved, and the manner in which the findings are to be presented for assessment. Approval is required from the Course Coordinator

Electives There are a range of electives that students may choose from within the Faculty of Education. Students can elect to pursue a wide range of options from Educational Leadership, Student Welfare and Wellbeing and Teaching and Learning in an Online environment are just a few currently on offer at various campus locations. The electives can be negotiated with the course coordinator. 

REVIEW OF COMMUNITY VCAL PROGRAMS

The Community VCAL initiative was a grass-roots initiative that aimed to use existing funding mechanisms to offer education and training in alternative settings. Many programs have flourished; some have run into difficulty.

DEECD is commencing a review of the funding and accountability arrangements for community VCAL programs.  All schools that are running community VCAL programs in 2008 will be contacted over the next four weeks to obtain data on the characteristics and effectiveness of these programs.

VALA intends to provide a submission to this review, representative of the views of its membership. Note that the VALA submission will not replace individual provider input to the review, but will complement it.

Key points of address will be:

1. Is community VCAL meeting the needs of learners?
2. Does DEECD (VCAA?) servicing Community VCAL appropriately? If not, why? And how could they do it better?
3. Have you suggestions for the future management of Community VCAL Programs?
4. How can the Department manage the balance between flexibility and accountability?

WHY GENERATION Y?

In its January 22, 2008 edition, the Quebec City newspaper, Le Soleil, had a topic about generations by age group.

  Generations are grouped as follows:
  - The Silent generation, people born before 1945.
  - The Baby Boomers, people born between 1945 and 1961.
  - Generation X, people born between 1962 and 1976.
-  Generation Y, people born between 1977 and 1989.

 Why do we call the last one generation Y.?  I did not know, but a caricaturist explains it eloquently below... I learned something new!

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS

Notes, resources and inspiring ideas from the VALA “Activating Applied Learning” Conference are available online at www.vala.asn.au

Work Safe DVD’s

WorkSafe has provided a number of WorkSafe DVDs for teachers to access free of charge. If you are interested, please email Annie Hunter-Block, from WorkSafe to request a copy. Annie_Hunter_Block@worksafe.vic.gov.au

Edna Website

A free on-line educational network site covering all sectors from kindergarten through primary and secondary school and technical and higher education.  Resources, on-line forums, educational profiles, news and events, 
www.edna.edu.au

Inquiry-Based Learning PD

This PD trains teachers in how to not only integrate their curriculum, link with the local community and deliver on the VELS but how to have both their students and teachers inspired. Schools who have been involved with this PD report remarkable results. For more information contact Dr Adrian Bertolini at intuyuc@gmail.com or on 0413 036 382.

Work Readiness…..A New and Unique Resource Now Available

The first time a student enters a work place can be a daunting experience. No matter how outwardly confident young people appear, very often the transition from school to work provides a scary threshold –

What will the employer expect of them? How are they supposed to act? What if they can’t do the work that they are given? Even simple things like what are they supposed to wear?

All these questions and many more are questions that float around in the minds of young people before they go out to a workplace. More and more young people are participating in Work Experience and Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) placements with a broader range of employers. A key challenge for those of us in the “school to work transition business” now is getting these young people ready for the world of work. There are many resources available that can assist, but there’s not one classroom resource that does it all.

Local research conducted by the South East LLEN has shown that work experience or work placement is often the first time a student enters a work place so it is important that students are educated about workplace expectations. If this is done correctly the likelihood of their work placement running smoothly will increase giving them a positive experience and understanding of the world of work.

On that basis, we decided to put together a classroom resource to provide comprehensive support for young people entering the world of work for the first time. The South East LLEN’s ‘Work Matters’ Work Readiness DVD is a work readiness resource which was developed as part of a transition plan to provide students with current and accessible
information on the world of work.

‘Work Matters’ is a comprehensive single resource that shows young people how to find a work placement, how to dress for success and how to manage employer expectations, workplace issues and accidents and employability skills.

The ‘Work Matters’ Work Readiness DVD follows three students through their work placement experience. We follow them as they encounter a variety of common problems employers and students experience whilst on work placement. It also shows students how to deal appropriately with these situations and illustrates what they can expect whilst on work placement.

The ‘Work Matters’ Work Readiness DVD can be used as a stand alone resource or as part of a more comprehensive package when it is incorporated into the ‘Work Matters’ Work Readiness workshop. The South East LLEN also offers a fully facilitated Train the Trainer package to participating schools and other education providers which will show school staff and other career planning intermediaries how to make the best use of the ‘Work Matters’
Work Readiness DVD.

This training package includes the following:

• A two hour workshop stepping you through the activities contained in the package
• A chance for you to ask questions of the package developer
• A 17minute professionally developed DVD for classroom use, presenting common
  scenarios young people can relate to
• A facilitators manual providing detailed instructions on how to deliver your own
  ‘Work Matters’ work readiness workshop session
• A student workbook
• A range of other Work Experience, Structured Workplace Learning and
  employability skills documents.

Education providers have the opportunity to purchase their own copy of the ‘Work Matters’ Work Readiness DVD as a stand alone resource for $95.00 plus G.S.T. This DVD also contains a range of useful work readiness documents and brochures.

If you would like to order the ‘Work Matters’ Work Readiness DVD or simply just want more information please contact Simon Rickard or Danielle West at the South East LLEN on 9706-8711 or by email to lcp@sellen.org.au.

CALENDAR

GET UP TO SCRATCH WITH LITERACY AND NUMERACY IN VET. 
WHAT'S THE STORY WITH ALLS AND THE ACSF?

This event is relevant for all VET professionals particularly those working in areas where LLN core skills underpin teaching and learning.
Presenters: Dave Tout and  Phillipa McLean, CAE
When: Tuesday 17th June 2008

This event will be conducted over two sessions
Session 1. The Adult Literacy and Life Skills survey results: What's the story?
This session will look at the results of the Adult Literacy and Life Skills (ALLS) survey that was conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in Australia in 2006 and early 2007.
Session 2.  The Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF)
This session will introduce participants to the structure, content and potential use and applications of the new ACSF

Location: William Angliss Conference Centre, Level 5, 555 La Trobe St, Melbourne
 
For registration and more detailed information regarding each session please visit the VISTA website

FROM KNOWLEGE TO PRACTICE:
Developing the Independent Thinker & Learner
Thursday 17th & Friday 18th July 2008
VET PRACTITIONERS’ NETWORK
Public training providers networking for the development of the VET teaching workforce

The Conference will be workshop based. You will have opportunities to talk with others:
• Who have been delivering the program
• Who have specific skills and knowledge to share with people new to delivering the courses
• About validating your delivery and teaching modes
• To obtain information on delivery needs
• To find suitable resources
• About the practice of teaching.

Keynote Speaker: Dr Allie Clemans, Monash University

Workshops
1. “Is thinking an employability skill?” – building thinking skills into the VET curriculum
2. “Building a literacy scaffold for learners” – assisting teachers to support students with LLN issues
3. “Building tools to differentiate performance” – using rubrics to grade assessments
4. “Learning theories for workforce development” – the latest on VET pedagogy
5. “Getting going with assessment in Cert IV TAA” – the assessment requirements of the Cert IV TAA
6. “What is the evidence?” – working towards a consistent approach to evidence for the application of RPL for Cert IV TAA

Who is invited?
• Members of the VET Practitioners’ Network.
• Teachers/trainers delivering Certificate IV & Diploma in TAA, Diploma of VET Practice & other qualifications for VET Practitioners.
• Others in TAFE with an interest in the delivery and assessment of accredited training to TAFE teachers/trainers.
• All TAFE Institutes are invited to send representatives.
Report back from Conversation Café

Conference queries email: enquiries@vta.vic.edu.au