Lifelong learning and training: a bridge to the future - Unesco-Unevoc

upgrading requirements. Current TVE teacher training was identified as problematic because
university staff need improved training themselves and industry experience.
A framework for teacher training needs to be identified which recognises regional
differences but which establishes high standards.
Competencies required for teachers were agreed to include all areas of professional,
general and social knowledge and skills, and that they are complex and changing frequently.
Those identified by the Commission include:
• technology expertise;
• team work skills;
• workplace experience;
• flexible delivery/distance learning expertise;
• creative capacity;
• high level skills in their specific discipline; and
• global perspectives.
It was agreed that TVE teacher training needs to be given the same recognition as teachers
in general and higher education and that TVE teacher training needs to be continuous/life long
learning. A key question raised was how the private sector can be engaged in identifying skills
requirements.
A key reason for the drift of TVE teachers to industry was seen to be that they are not
valued sufficiently, reflected in salary scales, and they can attract higher pay in industry and are
therefore lost to TVE.
Relationship with industry needs was discussed. A problem was identified as how
industry demands can be balanced with the need to develop the whole individual through the
provision of a general education component of TVE. Participants agreed there is a need to
reassess technical teacher education in light of changes in requirements in the world of work and
good practices need to be propagated and shared.
Work experience for teachers was identified as a critical factor in providing TVE which
has greater relevance. Partnership arrangements between TVE and industry providing work
experience must be built on mutual respect and benefit and for mutual benefit. Team teaching
was identified as a strategy to achieve this outcome.
Teachers must continuously upgrade their knowledge and skills, particularly to
include information technology in their work.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO UNESCO
• TVE as a system requires high status recognition by Governments – this issue is linked
closely to the serious need to raise the profile and status of educators in the TVE sector,
but in order to deserve and to receive this high status, TVE must promote innovations.
• UNESCO should support the development and conduct of professional development
programmes for TVE teachers in the development of flexible learning materials and
∼ 42 ∼