Guenther, John, Bat, Melodie, Boughton, Bob, Dwyer, Anna, Skewes, Janet, Stephens, Anne, Williamson, Frances, and Wooltorton, Sandra (2016) Enhancing training advantage for remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners. In: Proceedings of the Australian Association for Research in Education Conference. From: AARE 2016: Australian Association for Research in Education Conference, 27 November - 1 December 2016, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.

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Abstract

Participation in vocational training is strong among Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people from remote communities. However, completion rates for courses are low - on average, about 80% of participants drop out. What would it take to turn a training system in remote Australia around so completion rates exceed attrition? What would it take to make remote training programs more effective or transformative for trainees and communities?

These are questions posed by a research projects funded by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research, conducted by researchers from five jurisdictions. The researchers examined data from five different training programs considered successful in terms of retention and employability outcomes. One finding was that success is not dependent on employability outcomes. Anther finding was that course completion is only one factor contributing benefit to learners. A third finding is that for some courses, employment leads to training, not the other way around. This paper then problematizes the notion of transformative adult education in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander communities. To be transformative training systems do not need to be efficient (in terms of completion rates). However, to be transformative means ensuring that participants and communities benefit in ways that matter to them.

Item ID:	46592
Item Type:	Conference Item (Research - E1)
Funders:	National Centre for Vocational Education Research
Date Deposited:	20 Apr 2017 04:03
FoR Codes:	45 INDIGENOUS STUDIES > 4502 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education > 450203 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educational methods @ 50% 39 EDUCATION > 3901 Curriculum and pedagogy > 390114 Vocational education and training curriculum and pedagogy @ 50%
SEO Codes:	93 EDUCATION AND TRAINING > 9301 Learner and Learning > 930101 Learner and Learning Achievement @ 40% 93 EDUCATION AND TRAINING > 9399 Other Education and Training > 939901 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education @ 60%
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