A Liberal Vocationalism

Aims to rescue a usable interpretation of the vocational theory in higher education by describing the historical and policy frameworks of the debate.

Aims to rescue a usable interpretation of the vocational theory in higher education by describing the historical and policy frameworks of the debate.

This book is a major study of the nature, aims and context of vocational education at the beginning of the twenty-first century. It provides a comprehensive treatment of the relationship between the aims of economics and education.

Written to meet the needs of teachers, lecturers and tutors working at different levels and in many situations, this is the guide to surveying and understanding the key issues, best practices and new developments in business and management studies. Teaching in this field is a multi-faceted experience. The authors use an international perspective and support a wide range of situations by concentrating on five key areas: * the teaching and supporting of learning * the design and planning of learning activities * assessment and giving feedback to students * developing effective learning environments and student learning support systems * reflective practice and professional development. Practical and clear, this book will prove an invaluable guide for all those with an interest in developing business and management education and is essential reading for all those looking for professional accreditation for recognition of their teaching. It is also indispensable for the less experienced teacher seeking material for reflection and advice.

There is no doubt about the importance of assessment: it defines what students regard as important, how they spend their time and how they come to see themselves - it is a necessary part of helping them to learn. This text provides background research on different aspects of assessment. Its purpose is to help lecturers to refresh their approach to the assessment of student learning. It explores the nature of conventional assessment such as essays and projects, and also considers less widely used approaches such as self- and peer-assessment. There are also chapters devoted to the use of IT, the role of external examiners and the introduction of different forms of assessment. With guidelines, suggestions, examples of practice and activities, this book will become a springboard for action, discussion and even more active learning.

Those working towards QTLS are required to demonstrate a critical understanding of the Further Education (FE) sector and the role of the FE practitioner. This book clearly identifies, particularly for the student teacher with no prior experience, the social, cultural and political context of the sector’s beginnings and explores how this continues to shape and constrain the sector’s status and purpose, and the role and status of its teachers. The text encourages critical thinking about possible routes for change and future development. As increasing numbers of QTLS students are being encouraged to gain part of their qualification at M level, the need for an accessible and critical sourcebook about the FE sector, such as this, is essential.

This book analyses the development of work based learning from a number of perspectives: critical, historical, philosophical, sociological and pedagogical. Its various contributors argue that work-based approaches contain much that is challenging to the university, and also much that could help to create new frameworks of learning and new roles for academics.

Vocational education is central to the plans of policy makers around the world; it underpins the development of the poorest economies, and the continued competitiveness of the richest. Technical and Vocational Education and Training debates the key issues:* How far can the same principles be applied to vocational learning in universities, colleges, schools and the workplace?* Do the needs of learners and the needs of the economy always coincide? Should teachers focus on the delivery of skills or the development of cultures?* What will determine whether what is learnt corresponds to what is taught?* Who are the stakeholders in vocational learning, and can they all be satisfied at once?* What does it really mean to say that vocational provision is a kind of investment?Drawing on contemporary, internationally-significant case studies in water education, management education and education for sustainable development along with UNESCO's International Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Gough provides a challenging discussion.