The purpose of this article is to describe the experiences of culturally disparate adult learners undertaking an initial teacher education (ITE) placement in Australian school settings. Using a hybridised phenomenological methodological approach, the accounts of these students were interpreted to reveal instances of symbolic violence that…

The introduction of strict social distancing measures and mandated lockdowns necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic created new and unprecedented challenges for the vocational education and training (VET) sector. In response, approximately three-quarters (75.2%) of registered training organisations (RTOs) surveyed in early 2021 moved training to…

This paper addresses the practice of professional development within the vocational education and training (VET) arena. The study objective was to explore appropriate education qualifications for Australian VET practitioners in the tourism and hospitality sector required for effective teaching practice. The study was conducted utilising…

The New South Wales Technical and Further Education (TAFE) system developed its New Opportunities for Women (NOW) course to provide mature women with greater access to technical occupations by making them aware of educational and employment opportunities related to technical fields. The primary objectives of the course are to help women accomplish…

Longitudinal interviews with six Australian women taking a community college certification course revealed the forms of social support they received. Different types of support were provided by family and by college friends. (SK)

A study of 118 adult women students, with children, in 3 Australian universities found 3 major factors in withdrawal: socioeconomic class (lack of family support for mother's study, lack of money, domestic responsibilities, lack of needed skills); nontraditional major (economics, business, law); and age (younger students because of family or…

This case study examines the life journey of a self-directed adult learner who has made remarkable achievements in overcoming a difficult educational beginning in early childhood, as well as personal trauma in adulthood. The subject has shown determination in seeking out his own opportunities to learn in spite of major drawbacks, chief of which…

The concept of knowledge building communities has not traditionally been associated with agricultural extension, but is one which has the potential to increase the rate of adoption of best management practices by the industry. A potentially important mechanism to facilitate knowledge building is information and communication technology (ICT);…

During 1990 and 1991 an access and support program for Australian Aboriginal adult students was implemented at the Faculty of Health Science campus of the University of Sydney (Australia). The program offered support for those interested in the health sciences and featured preparatory, orientation and supplementary support courses under special…

Case studies of 16 firms across Australia that employ adult apprentices in the "traditional" trades were conducted to identify innovative ways of getting adults into the trades. The case studies included interviews with the firms' apprentice managers, training providers, and adult apprentices. Although some adult-friendly innovations…