Supporting Quality In Vocational Training Through Networking

Recoge: 1.Introduction - 2.Research approach and methods - 3.The networks on quality - 4.Quality through networking-an analysis of the case studies - 5.Conclusions and recommendations - 6 References - 7.Authors of the case studies - 8.Tables - 9.Illustrations.

"UNESCO has recently published the third volume of its Education on the Move series, a series dedicated to the analysis of key trends in education with the hope of inspiring dialogue among policy makers, educators and other key stakeholders on the challenges of education for tomorrow. The latest publication, entitled Unleashing the Potential: Transforming Technical and Vocational Education and Training is focused entirely on issues related to technical and vocational education and training (TVET). It takes stock of the steadily increasing demands and expectations on TVET systems around the globe and presents recent policy trends in the field of TVET. In their analysis, the authors provide insights into what it takes to unleash the potential of TVET systems around the world. They propose an integrated analytical approach that takes into consideration such factors as economic growth, social equity and issues related to sustainability so that TVET can contribute more effectively to contemporary policy issues such as youth unemployment, gender disparities and climate change. Overall, the book calls for a transformation of TVET systems to enable them to respond to the demands of their contexts. This transformation should enable TVET systems to acquire agility to stay current and responsive to the rapidly changing demands of the twenty-first century."--Publisher's website.

A research network has examined how quality management is implemented in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe and what the consequences are for the qualification needs of employees. The research has taken place within the framework of the Leonardo da Vinci programme, which is an action programme of the European Commission DG XXII - Education Training and Youth. This book presents conclusions including three parts: "Results" deriving from the sector studies - specialised "Scientific contributions" of network partners - "Action-oriented dialogue" documenting comments of key actors in vocational training from the participating countries. Special objectives are: Support of quality-oriented development of SMEs and their staff; Support of quality-oriented development of vocational education and training; Support of implementation requirements including regional aspects.

This document summarizes the activities conducted by the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP) during 1998 in its continuing efforts to accomplish its primary objective of linking research, policy, and practice in vocational education and training (VET). The following are among the 1998 CEDEFOP projects and activities discussed: activities promoting competencies and lifelong learning (key qualifications and curricular renewal; training in micro-enterprises; identification, validation, and accreditation of nonformal learning); projects monitoring developments in the European Union member states (descriptions of VET systems, statistical indicators of effectiveness, VET funding, innovation in VET, and VET quality); projects serving European mobility and exchanges (transparency of qualifications, needs and problems of mobility in Europe; and VET scenarios and strategies); thematic networks (network on trends, qualifications, and occupations; and training of trainers network); exchange and dialogue (Study Visits Programme, Agora Thessaloniki, partnerships in policy and development, and support for research cooperation); and information collection and dissemination (CEDEFOP publications, library and documentation service, CEDEFOP's Electronic Training Village, translation services, terminology coordination, conference and interpreting services, public relations, and activities of CEDEFOP's Brussels office). Appended are the following: CEDEFOP publications in 1998, information about CEDEFOP's financial and human resources in 1994-1998, and a list of members of CEDEFOP's management board. (MN)

Diverse learners with exceptional needs require a specialized curriculum that will help them to develop socially and intellectually in a way that traditional pedagogical practice is unable to fulfill. As educational technologies and theoretical approaches to learning continue to advance, so do the opportunities for exceptional children. Special and Gifted Education: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications is an exhaustive compilation of emerging research, theoretical concepts, and real-world examples of the ways in which the education of special needs and exceptional children is evolving. Emphasizing pedagogical innovation and new ways of looking at contemporary educational practice, this multi-volume reference work is ideal for inclusion in academic libraries for use by pre-service and in-service teachers, graduate-level students, researchers, and educational software designers and developers.