Readings in Australian Vocational Education and Training Research.

This volume synthesizes contemporary vocational education and training (VET) research reports and papers published in Australia in recent years. "An Overview of the Research and Evaluation Effort in VET" (Chris Robinson, Peter Thomson) introduces and discusses the 12 reviews of VET research literature. "Learning in the Workplace" (Paul Hager) addresses the increasing emphasis on informal learning and the inherent problems. "Returns to Enterprises from Investment in VET" (Stephen Billett, Maureen Cooper) suggests patterns of enterprise investment vary by enterprise size, degree of specialization in the training required, and geographic location. "VET and Small Business" (Jennifer Gibb) focuses on government role, training approach, suitable delivery modes, information and networking, credibility and quality of training, and equity. "Training Markets" (Damon Anderson) finds a lack of dispassionate and analytical research into their actual effects. "Entry-Level Training" (David Lundberg) concludes that research's contribution to informing policy on entry-level VET could and should have been greater. "Vocational Education in Schools" (Robin Ryan) recognizes the challenges of introducing vocational education into a school system. "Public and Private Training Provision" (Kate Barnett) deals with characteristics of VET providers and VET provision in a competitive training market. "Flexible Delivery of Training" (Peter Kearns) highlights the confusion surrounding adoption of these methods. "Assessor Training Programs" (Russell Docking) reports little effort to monitor program scope and quality, but substantial work to specify appropriate content. "Quality Assurance in VET" (Paul Hager) finds more case studies directed at program development than at evaluation. "Evaluation of VET" (Rod McDonald, Geoff Hayton) concludes evaluation has been little used for VET improvement. "The Impact of Research on VET Decision-Making" (Chris Selby Smith) finds VET research has not been sufficiently influential in affecting decision-making processes. A chapter index is appended. (YLB)