The CBT Decade: Teaching for Flexibility and Adaptability.

A 1998 study conducted by researchers from the Centre For Learning and Work Research at Griffith Univ. and The Studies of Work, Education and Training, at Monash Univ. sought to evaluate the contributions of competency-based training (CBT) and assessment to Australian vocational education and training. "Introduction" (Stephen Billet, Fred Beven) summarizes the findings of the project's three subprojects. "Reform, Changes, and Transformation: A Commentary on the Implementation and Evolution of CBT" (Stephen Billet, Sharon Hayes) describes the institutional frameworks of the competency movement and vocational education. "Procedures for Data Gathering, Analysis and Integration of Subprojects" (Fred Beven, Sharon Hayes) details the sources and procedures used to gather data about CBT. "CBT as a Model of Curriculum Development" (Stephen Billet) discusses how the introduction of CBT influenced curriculum practice. "Assessment Practices" (Charlie McKavanagh) explores the assessment of expertise and methods of data analysis. "The Role of the Instructor" (Lawrence Angus, Terri Seddon, John Gough, Ian Robertson) traces the changing role of the instructor within CBT and CBT's trajectory and educational effects. "Findings, Conclusions, and Recommendations" (Stephen Billet, Fred Beven, Charlie McKavanagh, Sharon Hayes, Lawrence Angus, John Gough, Ian Robertson, Terri Seddon) discusses the three subprojects in the context of development of a flexible and adaptable work force and presents and recommendations emerging from the subprojects. The ten years since the introduction of a uniform system of CBT has seen significant improvement in the structure and organization of Australia's vocational educational system. To make further improvement, a change in emphasis in policy is needed to move beyond CBT and recognize the critical role teachers play in achieving the country's need for a flexible, adaptable and globally competitive workplace. (Contains 126 references, 24 tables/figures, 28.) (MN)