ABSTRACT

Vocationalism in Further and Higher Education presents a collection of research-based papers on the ‘English model’ of vocationalism and higher education. It argues that negative societal and political perceptions have hindered the debate about the significance and relevance of vocational education and training provision to learning, work and the economy. In this book, the writers offer unique solutions to the difficult questions that have emerged from their investigations into vocationalism in England.

This edited collection brings together a group of academic experts to report and discuss their findings from many years of evidence-based research on vocationalism at three levels: macro (national and policy-making), meso (programmes and organization), and micro (individual learning and teaching). Chapters explore the key issues relating to the topic, such as policies, curriculum, learning and teaching, and work contexts. The book reflects on the diversity of related programmes, and discusses the applicability and relevance of the term ‘vocationalism’ in the light of current developments relating to higher vocational education, including occupation, employability and professionalism.

This book is a timely contribution to the debate on the ‘English model’ of vocational education and will be an essential resource for researchers, practitioners and postgraduate students in the fields of vocational education, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), work-based learning, politics and policy of education, teaching and learning, higher education, and curriculum and pedagogy.

chapter 1|6 pages

Introduction

Vocationalism in the English context

part Section 1|44 pages

Policy

chapter 2|13 pages

Still asking

A new direction for vocational learning or another great training robbery? Further research into and analysis of the contemporary reinvention of apprenticeships in relation to further and higher education

chapter 3|15 pages

Merger talk in further education

Of whales and minnows, rhetoric and reality

chapter 4|14 pages

Groundhog Day again

Making sense of a complicated mess: HIVE-PED research on FE student and apprentice progression to higher education in England

part Section 2|40 pages

Programmes

chapter 5|12 pages

A question of identity

Does it do what it says on the tin?

chapter 7|13 pages

Training of FE teachers with occupational/vocational experiences

An approach using collaboration and evidence-based research

part Section 3|50 pages

Pedagogy

chapter 8|13 pages

“It's all about work”

New times, post-Fordism and vocational pedagogy

chapter 10|14 pages

Higher vocational learning and knowledgeable practice

The newly qualified practitioner at work

chapter 11|10 pages

Conclusion

Global perspectives on vocationalism and the English model