Roy Canning

Reconceptualising core skills

The paper provides an analysis of Core Skill policy and practice in the UK. The author presents a conceptual basis for re‐thinking generic Core Skills within educational approaches in teaching and learning. The discussion looks at whether universal notions of generic skills are appropriate when considering post‐compulsory pedagogic approaches to the design of the curriculum. The arguments are framed within wider cross‐disciplinary debates in linguistics, the psychology of work and education.

Distance or Dis-stancing Education? A case study in technology-based learning

The paper describes case study research into a technology-based vocational programme delivered by a Higher Education institution. The research involved three separate interviews with students over a two-year period and an in-depth discussion with the provider of the on-line course. The results in part support the existing literature in distance education, particularly the aspects related to the quality of learning and the cost effectiveness of on-line delivery. However, it is argued that previous research in the field has tended to neglect the important concept of spatiality and adult learning.

Curriculum-making in pre-vocational education in the lower secondary school: A regional comparative analysis within Europe

This paper presents a pilot comparative research project on pre-vocational education in lower secondary schools (ISCED level 2) within regions in three European countries. The primary aim of the study was to better understand how the pre-vocational education curriculum is constructed and taught within schools. A case study methodology was selected given the de-centralized nature of curriculum-making within each of the units of analysis. The data collection period covers the years 2009–2011 and the regions taking part were from Germany, Poland, and Scotland. The research method is based upon both the collection of secondary data, through the analysis of curriculum documents within regions in each country, and the use of primary data sources, through interviewing school teachers. The research builds upon previous studies in curriculum-making, in particular a theoretical framework that explores the differences between the ‘prescribed and enacted curriculum’. Finally, this study will argue that, although it is possible to identify quite a distinct pre-vocational curriculum within each region that, in practice, the subject is rarely taught (enacted) according to this prescribed curriculum.

The failure of competence‐based qualifications: an analysis of work‐based vocational education policy in Scotland

This article critically explores the gap between the policy and practice of competence‐based Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs). It shows how SVQs have become an ‘institutionally led’ low‐skill work‐based qualification in danger of being marginalized within a unified post‐16 education and training framework. From a labour market perspective, the free market credentialist practices championed over the last two decades have clearly failed to bring together the supply and demand side of the educational equation. The issues are illustrated through an analysis of vocational qualifications and labour market datasets for Scotland. It develops the argument for a more devolved and integrated vocational qualification structure that brings together the academic and vocational curriculum within single awards. The paper provides the first detailed analysis of SVQ policy and practice in the competence‐based literature

Modern apprenticeships in Scotland

The paper provides an analysis of the take‐up of modern apprenticeships in Scotland for the period 1999–2001. The methodology includes secondary data sources and a case study. The findings indicate that, although the numbers participating in the MA scheme have increased, there remain major concerns both with completion rates and the quality of the programme. The authors also question the relevance of using pedagogically driven theoretical models to understand the complex and dynamic nature of work‐based employment practices.

Vocational education teacher training in Scotland and England: policy and practice

This article compares and contrasts the policy context of Vocational Education Teacher Training (VETT) in Scotland and England by setting this within its wider socio‐economic context, one emphasising lifelong learning and competitiveness. This facilitates a comparison of the two nations and enables an analysis of VETT responses to globalisation and lifelong learning. It allows an exploration of policy continuities and breaks across Scotland and England, leading to a consideration of the limits and possibilities of the different ‘solutions’ adopted. In these nations VETT is somewhat marginal having only recently become mandatory, unlike many other European responses. The articles policy analysis is complemented by a small scale illuminative case study of VETT educators in Scotland and England, which explores the way policy is lived and mediated at the site of practice. The research suggests that whilst both systems are compromised, VETT educators seek to work on the ‘good’ side of the system in which they are placed.

Older workers in the hospitality industry: valuing experience and informal learning

The research sets out to identify the learning processes adopted by older workers in the hospitality and visitor attraction industry in Scotland, with a view to determining how employers may better support their education and training within enterprises. The study was undertaken as part of the ESRC project on ‘Sustaining the employability of older workers in the hospitality sector: personal learning strategies and cultures of learning’. The data collection period was from 2008–2010 and focused on six case studies; three in hospitality and three visitor attraction centres. The conceptual framework of the research is based upon the simple yet important notion of experience and how this enhances the learning lives of older employees. It will be argued that the learning processes used by older employees are primarily recognisable as social practices, based upon the utilisation of existing knowledge and skills. The analysis suggests that organisations should be encouraged to avoid using a ‘one size fits all’ approach to education and training and, in the case of older workers, to make more use of their past work and life experiences in order to facilitate their own and others’ learning.

Curriculum discourses in post-compulsory education: a case study on the introduction of 'Higher Still' in Scotland

The paper questions the current importance given in the post-compulsory literature to curriculum planning models. In particular, the writer draws attention to how curriculum discourses promote an overly rational and simplistic view of systemic education change processes. The research is based on an analysis of post-16 secondary data sources in Scotland and a case study of a local school and college in Fife. The implementation of ‘Higher Still’ provides the policy backdrop to the research. Finally, a case is made for conceptualizing curriculum reform within a wider multi-levelled and culturally-driven education model.

State intervention and teacher education for vocational educators in England and Scotland

Background: The paper compares and contrasts the policy context of teacher training for vocational educators (VETT) in Scotland and England and locates this in its European setting. It explores the wider socio-economic context, one that emphasises lifelong learning, competitiveness and social justice. Purpose: In particular, it addresses the UK Coalition government‘s orientation to vocational teacher education and the way in which this impacts upon VETT in the two home nations. Sources of evidence: It draws on a small-scale illuminative case study of teacher educators in England and Scotland. Main argument: It explores the limits and possibilities for the development of radical and critical practices embedded in VETT policy and practice.

Vocational Education Pedagogy and the situated practices of teaching core skills

This chapter explores cutting-edge educational research in the field of generic core skills and the pedagogic practices of teaching work-based vocational education to young people. It argues for a complete transformation on how we conceptualize and teach generic skills. The reader is invited to rethink the fundamental assumptions that underpin the notion of transferable skills, the division created between theory and practice and the role played by outcome-based competency standards in education. The argument is made for conceptualizing vocational education as a material, discursive and normative set of practices that rely heavily upon context-dependent learning environments. Best-practice examples of teaching core skills are identified from a range of organizations in the UK. Finally, the debate on generic skills is set within a broader international context. The audience to benefit most from this discussion includes researchers in work-based learning; national and institutional policy makers in post-compulsory education; teachers of vocational education; human resources development managers and further and higher education teachers.