Description:
This article examines and explains some of the curriculum and assessment practices that allow for VET in schools (VETiS) programs in the state of Victoria, to be recognised and incorporated into the senior secondary school certificates through the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL). It draws on a selection of policy, curriculum, operational and research literature and statistical data on participation to discuss aspects of Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Victorian secondary schools. After setting out the two curriculum frameworks, the article reviews the strategy and processes for the tandem usage of competency-based and scored assessment as they apply in the Victorian context. The purpose of the article is to show the complexities and open up the balancing act that is occurring at the operational and policy levels between equity and quality.
Description:
This paper describes the perceptions of midwifery educational leaders concerning the potential for simulation to provide a realistic experience in midwifery education. A qualitative design was employed using focus groups which were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Eleven focus groups were conducted with 46 key midwifery academics across Australia. Three main themes emerged relating to realism and simulation in midwifery practice: 'we already use a lot of simulation', 'level of realism of manikins', and 'some things cannot be simulated'. Simulation is currently widely used in midwifery education, but this is limited due to realism of available models and equipment. Despite this, within a woman-centred, holistic approach to care there are many aspects of midwifery practice that cannot be easily simulated. There is a need for research and development of realistic simulation approaches to support the enhanced use of simulation. Furthermore, strategies for developing approaches that reflect midwifery care provision need to be developed.
Description:
The first tourism Honours degree in Australia was offered just over two decades ago, and since then Honours has become a well-recognised and important offering, particularly in terms of its role as a research pathway. The research intensive nature of Honours degrees produces graduates who are able to plan and execute project work, research and scholarship with some independence. These skills are highly sought after by some prospective employers. However, Honours programs tend to be ‗boutique‘ offerings and are particularly vulnerable to curriculum rationalisation efforts. The purpose of this research was to explore the value of Australian business Honours degrees by examining the perceptions of tourism educators. A survey of 100 academics from 19 Australian institutions revealed that Honours is highly valued and considered to be superior as a research training degree in comparison to Masters coursework and Masters by Research.