Assessor
and Trainer Network
Changes in vocational education stemming from the National
Training Framework have resulted in dramatic changes in the
role of trainers and assessors. As well they need to shift
from a focus on training to a focus on assessment, with an
accompanying shift from measurement-driven assessment to evidence-gathering
assessment.
This is a significant cultural shift for many trainers and
assessors and requires professional development. The Australian
Institute of Industry and Training has identified a need for
some form of support to ensure parity between assessors and
trainers. This could perhaps be part of the role of Assessor
& Trainer Networks.
Many workplace trainers are not in positions where training
forms the major part of their work. In most instances, the
trainers work alongside the workers they are training. Alternatively,
they work in jobs that have a supervisory component. The 'work
worlds' of the trainer and the workers they are training are
enmeshed and interact with each other and shape the teaching
process trainers use. The ability of the trainers to interact
with workers within this learning-work system is a critical
component of their role.
Trainers share experiences such as attending events together,
telling 'war stories' and working alongside workers. They
network and build relationships with other workers and people
external to the business or the section of the enterprise
with which they are most immediately involved. These networks
and contacts often provide help with issues or problems, or
provide input about changes that could be made to work practices
or other issues within the enterprise. These other workers
or external people provide learning opportunities for all
the workers connected with the business.
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