AVETRA upcoming events

Making Digital and Generative AI Literacies Intelligible: Four Post-Foundational Discourse Analyses TVET-case studies (4 Nov 2026)

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Making Digital and Generative AI Literacies Intelligible: Four Post-Foundational Discourse Analyses TVET-case studies

Hosted by Andrew Williamson

Digital technologies, digital literacies, and generative artificial intelligence literacy occupy a central position in educational discourse and are commonly presented as indispensable for participation in contemporary societies. Yet these constructs are neither settled nor univocal.

This session introduces post-foundational discourse analysis (PDA) as a methodological approach for examining the often-implicit understandings through which these phenomena are made intelligible and the practices they authorize.

It presents four TVET-case studies in which PDA has been employed employed: Mexico’s Sistema CONALEP, Ecuador’s Bachillerato Técnico, Chile’s Educación Media Técnico-Profesional, and New Zealand’s tertiary TVET system.

The ultimate goal is to bring together researchers, practitioners, educators, and students to examine that which has become veiled.

Presenters:

Fernando Bolanos - Lead Postdoctoral Researcher (Universidad de Chile's Center for Mathematical Modeling); Instructor, Teacher Professional Development (aRPa, Chile)

Daleshka Paola Candel Sarimento - professional researcher specializing in AI governance, digital educational inequalities, and mixed-method research (Instituto Milenio ASOR)

HImasha Gunasekara - Researcher and Education Designer (Lincoln University, New Zealand)

OctoberVET - National TAFE Network (4 Nov 2026)

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Developments across the National TAFE Network and the TAFE Centres of Excellence

Exploration of new Applied Research developments through the TAFE Centres of Excellence and National TAFE Network funded initiatives.

The National Skills Agreement (NSA) recognises the important contribution that TAFE makes to Australia’s innovation agenda thorough Applied Research. This session introduces the exciting program of research activity and research capability development emerging through Australia’s new TAFE Centres of Excellence and the National TAFE Network.

Join the NTN for a panel discussion exploring the role of applied research at TAFE. Drawing on perspectives from health care and support, national security and educator capability, and joining from TAFE Queensland, TAFE SA and Canberra Institute of Technology, the panel will discuss how research can be applied in different TAFE contexts and what it can mean for teaching, learning and industry engagement. Expect a conversation about what applied research makes possible, and what it takes to do it well.

Box Hill Institute OctoberVET - Applied research in vocational teaching practice (4 Nov 2026)

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Applied research IN vocational teaching practice

Convened by Dr Karen O'Reilly-Briggs and Dr Warren Guest, Box Hill Institute

4:00‒4:10	Welcome About the Graduate Certificate in Adult and Vocational Education and applied research unit at Box Hill Institute	Dr Karen O’Reilly-Briggs \| Box Hill Institute
4:10‒4:25	Is there a case for a blended self-paced and lock step (teacher directed) training delivery?	Rod St Clair
4:25‒4:40	What evidence-based strategies are most effective for reducing obstacles and enhancing student engagement during the first week of study in VET EAL?	Heidi Haywood
4:40‒4:55	Implementing Trauma-Informed Principles in Competency-Based VET Teaching and Assessment	Kristine Walsh
4:55‒5:10	Will using dedicated simulation rooms support workplace readiness for Certificate III VET (SBES) students?	Kristen Geros
5:10‒5:25	The use of artificial intelligence (AI) for language learning models of support for students in the construction trades sector.	Oliver Hawkins
5:25‒5:40	What evidence exists regarding the influence of structured interactive facilitation strategies on adult learner engagement in synchronous online VET education?	Nicole Fifis
5:40‒5:55	How would implementing Cognitive Load Theory principles affect teaching practice in healthcare education?	Sultana Razia
5:55‒6:00	Finish

Holmesglen OctoberVET - New Directions in Applied Research: the Holmesglen Experience - Session 2 (5 Nov 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 03:00:00 GMT

OctoberVET and Holmesglen

VET Futures: research, knowledge transfer, and VET

2026 marks a decade since the foundation of Holmesglen’s Centre for Applied Research and Innovation (the Centre). During that time, we have offered a range of research-based projects in AVETRA’s OctoberVET calendar. This has provided an opportunity for Holmesglen researchers to share their research, contribute to the improvement of teaching and learning, and provide the groundwork for further research and innovation.

Rather than cover our considerable achievements of the past ten years, the Centre has decided to conduct a programme that looks forward with the aptly titled ‘New Directions in Applied Research: the Holmesglen Experience.’

Session 2 : - 5th November
VET Futures: research, knowledge transfer, and VET

This session showcases practitioner research undertaken across the Institute, with a focus on innovation and improvement in VET practice and pedagogy. Presentations will explore the overall topic of AI, staff capability and student engagement; these draw upon both published and ongoing research with practical applications for VET educators.

The session will be of particular interest to VET practitioners looking for research-informed ideas and approaches that can be adapted to strengthen teaching practice and enhance learner engagement.

Biography:
Dr. Henry Pook is the Director of Holmesglen Institute’s Centre for Applied Research and Innovation. He has had over 30 years' experience in vocational education, including 15 years as the Dean of Building Construction and Engineering at Holmesglen Institute. He holds a PhD from the University of Melbourne, specialising in employment relations and industrial relations change in the building construction industry. His publications include studies on work, and work and technology in Australian society.

We look forward to seeing you there online!

AVETRA