RPL COLLOQUIUM 2007
for TAFE NSW
In association with TAFE NSW-COAG RPL
Professional Development Project
Initiatives in capability development for the VET Teaching and Learning Workforce
Thursday 7 June 2007, 9:15am for 9:30am start to 3:30pm
Swissotel Sydney, Level 8, 68 Market Street, Sydney
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): more possibilities, better results
"A learning oriented strategy aims to produce self-sustaining change in a way that continually accelerates its own growth and development. In systems terms, it operates as a "virtuous reinforcing cycle". (Senge, P & Goodman, M 1999 ' Generating profound change', The dance of change: the challenges of sustaining momentum in learning organisations, London, Nicholas Brealey, pp 39-64.)
Nominated delegates from TAFE Institutes, Curriculum Centres, TAFE Educational Capability, TAFE Operations and Centre for Learning Innovation will attend the 2007 RPL colloquium. They will be key influencers, change focused, with a commitment to respond to current VET directions.
The Colloquium provides an opportunity for participative action and sustaining change through the sharing of knowledge and experience. The day’s activities will include information sharing with RPL experts and strategic conversations with other TAFE NSW practitioners to learn new practices and reinforce good practice.
Ask a question about RPL – make your contribution now to the strategic conversation questions to be asked at the RPL Colloquium. All contributions will be considered for inclusion by the 
workshop facilitators.
The purpose of the Colloquium is to:
- Strengthen teaching and learning through strategic conversations to facilitate innovation and good practice in RPL
- Respond to the current reform agenda through active participation
- Promote current initiatives in Recognition processes, practice and products
- Foster new networks, connections and partnerships
- Foster mentoring of future leaders
- Work towards sustainable practice through an outcomes focus
The benefits to TAFE NSW are:
- Improved services to all stakeholders
- Positive impact on practitioner perpectives in responding to current VET directions.
- Engaging practitioners in working together to provide solutions and harness oppurtunities
"Under these conditions of rapid structural change, workers leverage their own personal networks, rather then relying on unstable, weakening "org charts." Networking is a kind of "invisible work," not accounted for in workflow diagrams or performance evaluations."
Bonnie A. Nardi, Steve Whittaker and Heinrich Schwarz 2000
To establish reinforcing processes a range of strategies will be incorporated into the Colloquium activities:
- buddy system between experienced and less experienced practitioners will be encouraged throughout the day's activities to strengthen capability and commitment to enable sustainable change.
- the formation of networks to sustain momentum and progress identified outcomes.
- online forums will be convened and facilitated by ICVET as follow up activities to stimulate reinforcing processes to sustain momentum and commitment
Time |
Program |
|---|---|
9.30am start |
Refreshments upon arrival in the Blaxland Ballroom lobby |
9.30am to 9.40am |
Welcome and RPL Colloquium 2007 opening by Pam Christie, Institute Director, TAFE NSW – Sydney Institute, Chair RPL Steering Committee |
9.40am to 9.55am |
Opening address |
9.55am to 10.20am |
Setting the scene, and overview of the day’s activities |
10.20am to 10.30am |
“Spark topic” – 3 P’s - Pedagogy |
10.30am to 10.40am |
Networking – How to make the most of your networks – intentional networks and relationships, |
10.40am to 11.05am |
Networking opportunity – Refreshments in the Ballroom Lobby |
11.05am to 11.15am |
“Spark topic” – 3P’s – |
11.15am to 12.15pm |
A strategic conversation on key questions asked by TAFE NSW practitioners |
12.15pm to 1.15pm |
Networking opportunity – Lunch in the Ballroom Lobby |
1.15pm to 1.25pm |
“Spark topic” – 3P’s – - Working with Industry |
1.25pm to 2.25pm |
A strategic conversation on key questions asked by TAFE NSW practitioners |
2.25pm to 3.10pm |
Sustaining the momentum – reinforcing processes |
3.10pm to 3.20pm |
Guest speaker – |
3.20pm to 3.30pm |
Closing remarks |
3.30pm |
Close – Afternoon Tea in the lobby |
- Listen to Pam Christie's Podcast
The Colloquium is an ICVET initiative in association with the TAFE NSW RPL PD project – Illawarra and Hunter Institutes.
Find out more about this PD initiative coming to your location soon
RPL Thinkpiece | Cliff Trood and Janet Hewson, TAFE NSW ICVET
Recommended reading
The Strength of Weak Ties | Mark S. Granovetter - American Journal of Sociology Volume 78 Issue 6
Granovetter's Theory of the Strength of Weak Ties | Overview of Granovetter's Theory of Weak Ties
Intentional Networks | Bonnie A. Nardi, Steve Whittaker and Heinrich Schwarz
Recognition of Prior Learning: At a glance | National Centre for Vocational Education Research
Been there, done that | Queensland Government Department of Employment and Training
RPL National Principles | Australian Qualifications Framework
Skills Recognition | Queensland Government Department of Employment and Training
The Role of National Qualifications Systems in Promoting Lifelong Learning | Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
Thinking about RPL: A framework for discussion | Australian Qualification Framework Advisory Board
Strategic Conversations | A-Z RESOURCES
A facilitation methodology developed by Tony Golsby-Smith of 2nd Road Pty Ltd and presented as an alternative to analysis. It draws on the work of Edgar Schein, Horst Rittel, Henry Mintzberg, and Robert McKee, and advances the idea that Aristotle proposed two systems – one of logic and one of creativity and imagination.
Partnerships and Entrepreneurship | RESEARCH AND EXEMPLARS
This theme area examines ways of supporting learning and innovation in the workplace through partnership arrangements between vocational education and training providers and industry. It also examines the kinds of entrepreneurship skills needed by practitioners to work in new and innovative ways. The focus is on research and exemplars of practice .
Workplace Delivery | ICVET Website
The concept of the knowledge economy requires new ways of integrating working and learning, and new approaches to learning - particularly those based on workplace needs. This theme area focuses on emerging teaching and learning practices in the workplace, and based on the work context. It also points to thinking and research about this area.
Different Learners, Different Contexts | COLLOQUIUM SLIDES