Educators examine critical issues at conference

Developing vocational skills and knowledge will be one of the key themes explored at the International Conference on Post-compulsory Education and Training at the Crowne Plaza, Surfers Paradise from December 5 to 7.

“Vocational Learning: Transitions, Interrelationships, Partnerships and Sustainable Futures” will examine the critical issues facing practitioners, policy-makers and researchers from post-compulsory education and training sectors.

The conference is hosted by the Griffith University Centre for Learning Research within the Faculty of Education. Conference co-convenor and School of Vocational, Technology and Arts Education Associate Professor Stephen Billett says there is a great concern in the community and in work places about the intitial and ongoing development of vocational skills.

“There are a series of issues that need to be understood further including what kind of knowledge needs to be learnt, how best it should be learnt and how best this learning should be organised.

“These issues will be addressed at the conference through individual papers and collective discussions,’’ Dr Billett said.

Keynote Speakers include Professor Glynda Hull from the University of California, Associate Professor Tara Fenwick from the University of Alberta and Associate Professor Boni Robertson, Director of Griffith’s Gumurri Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research.

Professor Hull’s research examines digital technologies and new literacies; adult literacy; and changing contexts and requirements for work, community, school and university partnerships.

Dr Fenwick’s research and teaching focuses on workplace learning with a particular interest in critical social learning processes, knowledge politics, and pedagogies involving vulnerable communities in the workplace.

Dr Robertson of Griffith’s Gumurrii Centre also works in education and student support at Griffith University. She has lectured on Indigenous justice issues in Canada, New Zealand, the USA and Australia.

WHAT: 13th Annual International Conference on Post-compulsory Education and Training

WHERE: Crowne Plaza, Surfers Paradise

WHEN: December 5 to 7.