Contents

Features

A model for pedagogical change: the Course in Applied Vocational Study Skills
by Susan Bates
For many students training for a trade, the completion of literacy and numeracy requirements has been a barrier to what would otherwise be plain sailing. But since the introduction of the Course in Applied Vocational Study Skills-designed for students undertaking vocational courses-both students and teachers report successes beyond all expectations.

W is for applied: what is applied learning?
by Jenny Dalton
The concept of applied learning has been with us for many years. In 2002, it was formalised as a senior secondary or post-compulsory qualification-the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning-and is now offered in all TAFE colleges and most secondary schools. But is it a viable alternative to the more academic qualifications for students in the post-compulsory years?

Touch one, touch all: taking education to the workplace
by Anne Duggan
In 1993, the training unit of the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union had 43 workers doing short courses through its educational programs. Ten years later, 8000 people were studying various Certificate III, Certificate IV and diploma courses.

Regulars

Practical Matters
Have you ever gone blank in an exam, or read the same page six times without absorbing anything? Send your mind for a workout at the Brain Gym! As Mary Nicholls explains, it's all about exercise reducing stress levels and getting the mind/body system in harmony.
Open Forum
Our last edition featured a stimulating article-Adult literacy: towards a new paradigm', by Rob McCormack-that sent several readers' minds to Brain Gym. But after a number of readings, a group of VALBEC and ACAL members said that the rewards from getting a grip on McCormack's propositions were well worth the effort. Also, Jane Casey tells us about Craig, a young man who shed his old habits and attitudes and dared to dream of the future.
Foreign Correspondence
Inconsistency and a lack of continuity in literacy policies have created a daunting future for the 50 million-plus Pakistanis with little or no educational opportunities. However, help is on the way from the United Nations, the US and Japan and the Pakistan government itself plans to open 270,000 literacy centres by 2005.
Beside the Whiteboard
In an informative talk with Robin Kenrick, Dr Amjid Muhammad provides some valuable insights for teachers working with Islamic students.