Michele Simons - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Michele Simons

Research paper thumbnail of Valuing women: new approaches to/for the training reform agenda

Abstract: This article presents a summary of the research methods and early outcomes ofWomen, Wor... more Abstract: This article presents a summary of the research methods and early outcomes ofWomen, Work and Training: the Training Reform Agenda', a DEET funded project (376.65 POC). The aim of the project is to develop an education and training program for women ...

Research paper thumbnail of A case for scholarly activity in vocational education in Australia

Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Weak localisation in high quality two dimensional systems

We investigate phase coherent weak localisation effects in high quality two dimensional hole syst... more We investigate phase coherent weak localisation effects in high quality two dimensional hole systems and show that the values of the phase coherence time extracted from the raw data depends critically on the method used to fit the weak localisation correction to the conductivity. We compare 4 different fitting methods commonly used in the literature and discuss the relative difference

Research paper thumbnail of Educational leadership in Australian private VET organisations: how is it understood and enacted?

Research in Post-Compulsory Education, 2014

ABSTRACT Ongoing reform in vocational education and training (VET) has placed significant pressur... more ABSTRACT Ongoing reform in vocational education and training (VET) has placed significant pressure on leaders in private training organisations in terms of striking an ‘appropriate’ balance between educational and business imperatives. This paper draws on data from 34 interviews with leaders from 16 private registered training organisations in Australia to investigate how educational leadership is understood and enacted in their work. The study found that these leaders were able to articulate clearly the tensions between managing business imperatives and assuring quality educational outcomes. Further, they were conscious of the ways in which their leadership extended beyond their organisations into external environments in order to further educational as well as business goals. The findings suggest that, contrary to the popular notion of seeing educational and business leadership as competing priorities, leaders view them as complementary and integrated domains. They are therefore better understood as situated practices embedded in specific organisational contexts.

Research paper thumbnail of (Re)-forming Marriage in Australia?

In the previous edition of Family Matters, Robyn Parker discussed international perspectives on t... more In the previous edition of Family Matters, Robyn Parker discussed international perspectives on the retreat from marriage, the growth of cohabitation, and whether marriage is valued, concluding with some thoughts on the future of marriage. In this article the author and ...

Research paper thumbnail of Trainee and apprentice retention and attrition in Australia

The purpose of the study is to examine the range of factors that contribute to high retention rat... more The purpose of the study is to examine the range of factors that contribute to high retention rates and successful completion of apprenticeships and traineeships. The outcome of the study will therefore be an understanding of how a range of personal, demographic, structural, ...

Research paper thumbnail of Sharpening the Focus: A Case Study of the Development of Competency Standards for Marriage and Relationship Educators

Australian Journal of Adult and Community Education, 1999

Abstract: A competency profile for educators working in marriage and relationship education progr... more Abstract: A competency profile for educators working in marriage and relationship education programs was validated with a sample of 197 Australian educators. Factors most influencing perceptions of educators' role were whether female or male, volunteer or paid, and ...

Research paper thumbnail of Implementing innovative approaches to learning and assessment through training packages

Executive summary Training packages are a key reform in the vocational education and training (VE... more Executive summary Training packages are a key reform in the vocational education and training (VET) sector. They are key resources for the current structured training arrangements. They define endpoints for learning but not how to get there. Through ...

Research paper thumbnail of Couple relationship education in Australia : Couple relationship education in an international context

Research paper thumbnail of Non-Participation in Adult Education: A Case Study of Pre-Marriage Education Programmes

New Zealand Journal of Adult Learning, 1997

Abstract: Most respondents (n= 640) who chose not to attend premarital education were influenced ... more Abstract: Most respondents (n= 640) who chose not to attend premarital education were influenced by beliefs and attitudes, such as no need for premarital counseling, privacy of marriage, no relationship problems, lack of interest, or unwillingness to discuss personal ...

Research paper thumbnail of The Understandings about Learners and Learning that Are Imparted in Certificate IV Level Courses for VET Teachers and Trainers

International Journal of Training Research, 2008

Australia has been descriptive, outlining the development, construction and outcomes of a range o... more Australia has been descriptive, outlining the development, construction and outcomes of a range of initiatives or analysing the nature and extend of initial and ongoing professional development for teacher sand trainers. There has been little critical analysis of curricula which led to the attainment what has been the most common Australian initial VET teacher/trainer qualification -the Certificate TV in Assessment and Workplace Training, either in terms of the intended or enacted curricula as it was delivered in many hundreds of locations across Australia. This paper addresses this gap. It presents the outcomes of research that examined ways in which learners and processes of learning were constructed, understood and embedded in the delivery of the Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training (AWT). This qualification was delivered from 1998 until November 2006. In late 2004 a new Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAA) was introduced, but there was a 'teach-out period' of two years on the old qualification. The study involved 16 case studies of registered training organisations that delivered the Certificate IV in AWT. The paper updates the study by examining how the changes associated with the new qualification may affect understandings of learners and learning. The understandings about learners and ¡earning that are imparted in Certificate IV level courses for VET teachers and trainers -Michèle Simons and Erica Smith 25

Research paper thumbnail of Professional development in VET: how significant is it in today’s policy context?

Abstract: This paper examines the significance of professional development programmes in enabling... more Abstract: This paper examines the significance of professional development programmes in enabling vocational education and training (VET) practitioners to adjust to rapid policy changes. As a background to the research the authors outline some of the success factors ...

Research paper thumbnail of Pathways to Marriage: Learning for Married Life in Australia

In 1993-94, a random samp14 of 547 individuals authorized to perform marriages in Australia (marr... more In 1993-94, a random samp14 of 547 individuals authorized to perform marriages in Australia (marriage celebrants) and 560 couples from across Australia who had married in 1993 were surveyed regarding their views of premarriage education (PME) and the factors enhancing/inhibiting participation in PME programs (PMEPs). Of the marTiage celebrants, 313 (57%) were religious. The survey established that PME means different things to different people. Religious celebrants wc.e more likely to refer couples to PMEPs than nonreligious celebrants were. Only 14% of religious celebrants (versus 47% of civil marriage celebrants) believed that encouraging participation in PME was outside their role. The following factors were identified as the biggest barriers to participatio in PME: lack of interest; time constraints; lack of family encouragement; lack of program relevance; and previous marriage. Nonparticipants had three reservations about current programs: purported religious nature and intrusiveness, confusion over the difference between counseling and education, and their value for divorcees who are remarrying. Dispositional factors (personal beliefs and attitudes about oneself, couplehood, and marriage) were the most significant reasons for nonparticipation. (Appended are the questionnaires, statistics on marriage by state, and statistical summaries of responses. Contains 66 references.) (MN)

Research paper thumbnail of Prevention Is Better than Cure: Education for Family Formation

Abstract: Public policy initiatives should focus on preventive measures such as premarriage educa... more Abstract: Public policy initiatives should focus on preventive measures such as premarriage education to assist people in developing healthy family life. Outcomes of an Australian program support the efficacy of such preparation rather than after-the-fact coping with ...

Research paper thumbnail of A Huge Learning Curve": TAFE Practitioners' Ways of Working with Private Enterprises. Support Document

National Centre For Vocational Education Research, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of New Directions in European Vocational Education and Training Policy and Practice: Lessons for Australia. A National Vocational Education and Training Research and Evaluation Program Report

National Centre For Vocational Education Research, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Staying on course

Research paper thumbnail of The role of workplace trainer: implications for national competency standards and the building of training/learning cultures

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of entry level training arrangements in the building and construction industry in South Australia

Research paper thumbnail of The Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training: Understanding learners and learning

This study examines how learners and the processes of learning are understood and presented in a ... more This study examines how learners and the processes of learning are understood and presented in a sample of courses leading to the attainment of the Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training (since replaced by the new Certificate IV in Training and Assessment). It ...

Research paper thumbnail of Valuing women: new approaches to/for the training reform agenda

Abstract: This article presents a summary of the research methods and early outcomes ofWomen, Wor... more Abstract: This article presents a summary of the research methods and early outcomes ofWomen, Work and Training: the Training Reform Agenda', a DEET funded project (376.65 POC). The aim of the project is to develop an education and training program for women ...

Research paper thumbnail of A case for scholarly activity in vocational education in Australia

Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Weak localisation in high quality two dimensional systems

We investigate phase coherent weak localisation effects in high quality two dimensional hole syst... more We investigate phase coherent weak localisation effects in high quality two dimensional hole systems and show that the values of the phase coherence time extracted from the raw data depends critically on the method used to fit the weak localisation correction to the conductivity. We compare 4 different fitting methods commonly used in the literature and discuss the relative difference

Research paper thumbnail of Educational leadership in Australian private VET organisations: how is it understood and enacted?

Research in Post-Compulsory Education, 2014

ABSTRACT Ongoing reform in vocational education and training (VET) has placed significant pressur... more ABSTRACT Ongoing reform in vocational education and training (VET) has placed significant pressure on leaders in private training organisations in terms of striking an ‘appropriate’ balance between educational and business imperatives. This paper draws on data from 34 interviews with leaders from 16 private registered training organisations in Australia to investigate how educational leadership is understood and enacted in their work. The study found that these leaders were able to articulate clearly the tensions between managing business imperatives and assuring quality educational outcomes. Further, they were conscious of the ways in which their leadership extended beyond their organisations into external environments in order to further educational as well as business goals. The findings suggest that, contrary to the popular notion of seeing educational and business leadership as competing priorities, leaders view them as complementary and integrated domains. They are therefore better understood as situated practices embedded in specific organisational contexts.

Research paper thumbnail of (Re)-forming Marriage in Australia?

In the previous edition of Family Matters, Robyn Parker discussed international perspectives on t... more In the previous edition of Family Matters, Robyn Parker discussed international perspectives on the retreat from marriage, the growth of cohabitation, and whether marriage is valued, concluding with some thoughts on the future of marriage. In this article the author and ...

Research paper thumbnail of Trainee and apprentice retention and attrition in Australia

The purpose of the study is to examine the range of factors that contribute to high retention rat... more The purpose of the study is to examine the range of factors that contribute to high retention rates and successful completion of apprenticeships and traineeships. The outcome of the study will therefore be an understanding of how a range of personal, demographic, structural, ...

Research paper thumbnail of Sharpening the Focus: A Case Study of the Development of Competency Standards for Marriage and Relationship Educators

Australian Journal of Adult and Community Education, 1999

Abstract: A competency profile for educators working in marriage and relationship education progr... more Abstract: A competency profile for educators working in marriage and relationship education programs was validated with a sample of 197 Australian educators. Factors most influencing perceptions of educators' role were whether female or male, volunteer or paid, and ...

Research paper thumbnail of Implementing innovative approaches to learning and assessment through training packages

Executive summary Training packages are a key reform in the vocational education and training (VE... more Executive summary Training packages are a key reform in the vocational education and training (VET) sector. They are key resources for the current structured training arrangements. They define endpoints for learning but not how to get there. Through ...

Research paper thumbnail of Couple relationship education in Australia : Couple relationship education in an international context

Research paper thumbnail of Non-Participation in Adult Education: A Case Study of Pre-Marriage Education Programmes

New Zealand Journal of Adult Learning, 1997

Abstract: Most respondents (n= 640) who chose not to attend premarital education were influenced ... more Abstract: Most respondents (n= 640) who chose not to attend premarital education were influenced by beliefs and attitudes, such as no need for premarital counseling, privacy of marriage, no relationship problems, lack of interest, or unwillingness to discuss personal ...

Research paper thumbnail of The Understandings about Learners and Learning that Are Imparted in Certificate IV Level Courses for VET Teachers and Trainers

International Journal of Training Research, 2008

Australia has been descriptive, outlining the development, construction and outcomes of a range o... more Australia has been descriptive, outlining the development, construction and outcomes of a range of initiatives or analysing the nature and extend of initial and ongoing professional development for teacher sand trainers. There has been little critical analysis of curricula which led to the attainment what has been the most common Australian initial VET teacher/trainer qualification -the Certificate TV in Assessment and Workplace Training, either in terms of the intended or enacted curricula as it was delivered in many hundreds of locations across Australia. This paper addresses this gap. It presents the outcomes of research that examined ways in which learners and processes of learning were constructed, understood and embedded in the delivery of the Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training (AWT). This qualification was delivered from 1998 until November 2006. In late 2004 a new Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAA) was introduced, but there was a 'teach-out period' of two years on the old qualification. The study involved 16 case studies of registered training organisations that delivered the Certificate IV in AWT. The paper updates the study by examining how the changes associated with the new qualification may affect understandings of learners and learning. The understandings about learners and ¡earning that are imparted in Certificate IV level courses for VET teachers and trainers -Michèle Simons and Erica Smith 25

Research paper thumbnail of Professional development in VET: how significant is it in today’s policy context?

Abstract: This paper examines the significance of professional development programmes in enabling... more Abstract: This paper examines the significance of professional development programmes in enabling vocational education and training (VET) practitioners to adjust to rapid policy changes. As a background to the research the authors outline some of the success factors ...

Research paper thumbnail of Pathways to Marriage: Learning for Married Life in Australia

In 1993-94, a random samp14 of 547 individuals authorized to perform marriages in Australia (marr... more In 1993-94, a random samp14 of 547 individuals authorized to perform marriages in Australia (marriage celebrants) and 560 couples from across Australia who had married in 1993 were surveyed regarding their views of premarriage education (PME) and the factors enhancing/inhibiting participation in PME programs (PMEPs). Of the marTiage celebrants, 313 (57%) were religious. The survey established that PME means different things to different people. Religious celebrants wc.e more likely to refer couples to PMEPs than nonreligious celebrants were. Only 14% of religious celebrants (versus 47% of civil marriage celebrants) believed that encouraging participation in PME was outside their role. The following factors were identified as the biggest barriers to participatio in PME: lack of interest; time constraints; lack of family encouragement; lack of program relevance; and previous marriage. Nonparticipants had three reservations about current programs: purported religious nature and intrusiveness, confusion over the difference between counseling and education, and their value for divorcees who are remarrying. Dispositional factors (personal beliefs and attitudes about oneself, couplehood, and marriage) were the most significant reasons for nonparticipation. (Appended are the questionnaires, statistics on marriage by state, and statistical summaries of responses. Contains 66 references.) (MN)

Research paper thumbnail of Prevention Is Better than Cure: Education for Family Formation

Abstract: Public policy initiatives should focus on preventive measures such as premarriage educa... more Abstract: Public policy initiatives should focus on preventive measures such as premarriage education to assist people in developing healthy family life. Outcomes of an Australian program support the efficacy of such preparation rather than after-the-fact coping with ...

Research paper thumbnail of A Huge Learning Curve": TAFE Practitioners' Ways of Working with Private Enterprises. Support Document

National Centre For Vocational Education Research, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of New Directions in European Vocational Education and Training Policy and Practice: Lessons for Australia. A National Vocational Education and Training Research and Evaluation Program Report

National Centre For Vocational Education Research, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Staying on course

Research paper thumbnail of The role of workplace trainer: implications for national competency standards and the building of training/learning cultures

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of entry level training arrangements in the building and construction industry in South Australia

Research paper thumbnail of The Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training: Understanding learners and learning

This study examines how learners and the processes of learning are understood and presented in a ... more This study examines how learners and the processes of learning are understood and presented in a sample of courses leading to the attainment of the Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training (since replaced by the new Certificate IV in Training and Assessment). It ...