IfL announces action research to inform vocational pedagogy commission

Friday 20 January 2012

Following the announcement in December 2011 that the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) had invited the Institute for Learning (IfL) and Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) to undertake the preparatory work for an independent commission on adult education and vocational pedagogy, IfL has announced an action research project to inform the work of the commission. It is looking for up to 100 IfL members who are expert in teaching and training vocational subjects to adults and young people to take part in the project.

IfL’s deputy chief executive, Lee Davies, said, “As the professional body for teachers and trainers, IfL is ideally placed to gain critical insight into vocational pedagogy from the perspective of teachers and trainers. Having long called for an independent inquiry into world-class teaching and training in our sector, we are very pleased that we can now offer our members the opportunity to shape the nature of the independent commission.

“In the first phase of this innovative action research project, we would specifically like teachers and trainers in the areas of engineering and motor vehicle engineering, hospitality and catering and business administration to volunteer to participate. Called ‘A week in the life of’, the project seeks to gain perspectives on the experiences and challenges faced by vocational teachers and trainers in their day-to-day work.

“These reflective or descriptive diaries, which do not necessarily have to cover a calendar week, will capture the planning that goes into vocational teaching and training; the challenges a teacher or trainer faces in terms of addressing the curriculum and meeting the needs of learners; the pedagogy or approach to teaching and learning adopted; and general observations on teaching and training practice. Participants will receive a bursary of £200 and reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses incurred.”

Towards the end of February and throughout March 2012, IfL will be holding a series of regional seminars to discuss vocational pedagogy and the aspirations of the independent commission. All those participating in the reflective diary research project will be invited to attend, and themes emerging from the project will be used to inspire discussion and debate at the seminars. 

Dr Joe Harkin, a leading researcher and author in the field of vocational education and training, is supporting IfL with its contribution to the independent commission and will be involved in the reflective diary project and the regional seminars.

As part of the project, IfL will also work with students’ unions to explore with learners the features of brilliant vocational teaching and learning, focusing on younger learners who have made the transition from school to further education, and seeking to understand the distinction between academic and vocational teaching and learning.

Notes

1. The commission on adult education and vocational pedagogy was announced by the government in a formal response to its New Challenges, New Chances consultation, Further Education and Skills System Reform Plan: Building a World Class Skills System, on 1 December 2011.

2. IfL will be emailing members about volunteering to take part in the project, and the closing date for expressions of interest is Monday 30 January 2012.