Moss presents his reaction to Henry David's report on the Vocational Education Study (Journal of Vocational Education Research, Winter 1980) in the form of four questions about the interpretation, synthesis, and utilization of the study's findings. (SK)

Three assumptions to consider in strengthening the relationship among researchers, policymakers, and practitioners are (1) link inquiry to the social, political, and economic context; (2) include input from practitioners and policymakers; (3) recognize that the influence of research results is diffuse; and (4) foster a collaborative, interactive…

The use of five Australian research reports in formulating policy on user choice was examined in terms of the policy development process, distribution of power among stakeholders, and the culture of decision-making organizations. Factors influencing research use were identified: the reports were commissioned, the political climate changed, and…

The utility of the Wilms study for policy making in vocational education is critically examined. A set of criteria for examining research for policy is presented and then applied to the Wilms study with the conclusion that because of its weaknesses the report cannot be taken seriously for policymaking although it has done a service to the…

As a solution to the problem of disseminating information from research and development projects into the field, this project examined a number of diffusion models, developed the Omnibus Model, and tested it. The Omnibus Model consists of eight different action blocks. First, information is acquired both selectively and non-selectively, and then…

Based on the experience of the past, current viewpoints, and opinions about the future as conceived by the Committee on Vocational Education Research and Development (COVERD), this paper explains a framework for considering alternative policy options and discusses the relationships among the social environment, status and trends in vocational…

A project was conducted to examine the impact of vocational education and training (VET) research on decision making in VET in Australia. Data were collected from the following: a literature review; a symposium attended by state-, territory-, and national-level VET policymakers and planners and VET providers; semistructured telephone interviews…

How can research and practice can be linked together to improve vocational education? Vocational education researchers should conduct research that can directly benefit policy makers and practitioners and present their findings in ways that influence the improvement of policy and practice. Three basic assumptions need to be recognized: (1) the…

These five papers prepared for the annual Technical and Further Education (TAFE) Senior Executives' Conference emphasize policy implications. "Does Research Influence Policy?" (W. Hall) makes the point that some important policy decisions have been taken on nonexistent or flimsy research evidence. The next four papers are research…

Highlights are presented from 10 critical papers prepared by a panel of experts to describe the relevance of the Statewide Longitudinal Study (SLS) of California community college (CCC) students to each panelist's area of expertise, to identify policy issues or considerations related to SLS data, and to prepare recommendations. The paper begins by…

This information analysis paper distinguishes between issues and policy in vocational education, identifies current issues and outlines official policies, and makes recommendations for coordination among leaders who develop issues and policies in vocational education. Its synthesis of recent studies of vocational education supports the notion of…

Several methods for determining priorities for research in agricultural education can be cited. These include the following: to rely on individual initiative, as has been done in the past; to get organized as a profession and reach agreement regarding research priorities at the national, regional, or state levels; to wait for federal and state…

Three broad statements summarizing nine axioms underlie a conceptualization of the character of behavioral and social research: (1) social and behavioral science is inherently reflexive, (2) ethics and epistemology are inseparable, and (3) the inherent complexity of behavioral and social phenomena must be reflected in the models developed to guide…

This document contains the speaking notes, spoken comments, and prepared papers of the participants in a 1997 symposium on utilization of vocational education and training (VET) research in VET decision making in Australia. The document begins with the "Introduction" (Chris Selby Smith). The next six sections contain the speaking notes…

Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) has reemerged as a hot topic in policy debates on educational developments in developing nations. This renewed interest in TVET is motivated by the necessity to address the new economic challenges stemming from recognition of the role of knowledge in economic development and the deep…