Suggested talking points: Topic 6

Learners’ thoughts

The final topic intends to trigger conversations about the experiences and needs of learners.

6.1 I’m motivated to go further

6.2 Important for regional and remote learners

6.3 The value of workplace support

6.4 Learning to be ‘real’

Consider the following discussion starters:

Key questions / Responses might include:
What do learners expect to gain as a result of their training? /
  • Employment and advancement
  • Complementing of on-the-job with off-the-job training
  • Opportunities open up eg going to uni, receiving awards
  • Opportunities to fit in around other priorities eg family, children
  • Individualised learning solutions

What do learners perceive as useful in constructing their learning experiences? /
  • Block release
  • Flexibility
  • Opportunity to meet and learn from a range of people
  • Minimising travel times
  • Fitting in with busyness of peoples’ lives
  • Recognise the learning already done
  • Online learning is not necessarily the solution
  • Hands on and work-related
  • Support that comes from having an onsite (TAFE) training manager is very beneficial
  • Familiarity of work environment can be applied to learning environment
  • Keep it real”

How can mentoring and coaching programs be implemented to the benefit of all in the workplace?
How are the responsibilities for student learning shared between teachers and workplace supervisors? /
  • Contract arrangements clearly listing these responsibilities including contingency plans if things go wrong
  • Constant checkback
  • Timely checkback
  • Trust in the work done in the workplace and the work done of the teacher

What do teachers need to do to best facilitate workplace learning? /
  • Communicate
  • Be professional
  • Document
  • Trust
  • Know training package inside out
  • Be able to marry workplace tasks to elements and units of competence

What do students need to do to assist their learning? /
  • Communicate
  • Be professional
  • Document
  • Be good at self assessing
  • Keep to a plan
  • Ask questions

What can teachers do to better engage with the process? /
  • Be seen in industry
  • Be talking with industry
  • Show systems, skills and knowledge off to industry
  • Value workplace learning
  • Practice using a variety of evidence to ascertain competence of a person, including direct and indirect evidence

What does Stephanie mean when she says “you learn how to be real”?

06_Talking_Points_Students.Doc