Richard Evans is the Chairman of the CIPHE’s Education and Training Group. In this issue, Richard covers the issues surrounding Information Technologies Communications (ITCs). Currently there is a great debate about the advantages and disadvantages of the ITCs particularly with retrieving information from the internet. I would like to explore some of the issues as they relate to education and in particular to teaching and learning. I fully accept that there are many advantages associated with such technologies. However it is essential that the disadvantages must be acknowledged and recognised by teachers and the learners. Evidence from a number of
Browsing 20 Articles Originally Published in: “Education & Training Group”
Modularity in Building Houses: A Possible Revolution?
Richard Evans is the Chairman of the CIPHE’s Education and Training Group. In this issue, Richard covers the housing shortage and a possible solution in modular housing. As we all know, the problems associated with the acute shortage of housing in this country, particularly with social housing, continue. In spite of successive governments’ statements to address and resolve the situation, all have failed. Currently one consequence of this issue is the increasing number of homeless people. One possible solution that is being proposed is a greater move to manufactured modular houses. Interest is growing in this development as the advantages
ASSESSMENT OF PRIOR LEARNING
One of the topics discussed at a recent meeting of the Education Training Group (ETG) was Assessment of Prior Learning (APL). It arose from discussions on the important issue of recognising experienced workers who have (for many reasons) not gained formal qualifications. These individuals represent a significant part of the plumbing profession, and as a result play an essential role in professional application of their skills and knowledge in the services they provide to their employers and the public. They have gained this expertise over many years. Many would have been apprentices and entered employment some years ago when entry to
THE IMPORTANCE OF MATHEMATICS AND NUMERACY IN THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND SKILLS AGENDA
Among the critical and pivotal elements in tackling the major and continuing challenges to improve skills and increase productivity, are the persistent problems associated in mathematical capability. Low levels of numeracy and functional numeracy including among adults who wish to enter employment continue to be a problem. These problems have been highlighted over many decades by innumerable commissions, reports and research papers. A multitude of causes have been identified including: • Gender issues • Low levels of motivation • Bad previous learning/teaching experiences • The perception amongst learners that mathematics is intrinsically difficult • The impact of negative parental, societal
THE IMPORTANCE OF CPD
Richard Evans is the Chairman of the CIPHE’s Education and Training Group. In this issue of ETM he muses on the importance of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is even more important now as the country begins to tackle its skills gaps and shortages, plus the continuing low levels of productivity in manufacturing and industrial activity. The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering has recently published a timely and excellent charter on CPD. The CIPHE have set an excellent example and lead the way for other professional bodies, employers and education and training organisations on this
TEACHING AND LEARNING
Richard Evans is the Chairman of the CIPHE’s Education and Training Group. In this issue of ETM, he focusses on teaching methods. Time for a rethink? Two of the recurring themes in the history of technical education and training were the continuing negative perception of scientific and technological subjects and the teaching of these and related subjects. These critical factors have contributed to the low participation in these subjects in education and training institutions and thwarted attempts to address, resolve and raise the low esteem of scientific and technological disciplines. In addition the continuing low level of skills and the
TEACHING AND LEARNING
Richard Evans is the Chairman of the CIPHE’s Education and Training Group. In this issue of ETM, he focusses on teaching methods. Time for a rethink? Two of the recurring themes in the history of technical education and training were the continuing negative perception of scientific and technological subjects and the teaching of these and related subjects. These critical factors have contributed to the low participation in these subjects in education and training institutions and thwarted attempts to address, resolve and raise the low esteem of scientific and technological disciplines. In addition the continuing low level of skills and the
A MORE ENLIGHTENED APPROACH?
Richard Evans is the Chairman of the CIPHE’s Education and Training Group. In this issue of ETM, he looks at the challenges of introducing environmental issues into the skills agenda. New skills need to be developed Education and training must play a significant part in addressing the critical issues currently confronting this planet, including those associated with the environment. These include energy, food and water shortages and the consequences of global warming, pollution control, land reclamation and over population. Clearly in spite of a number of sceptics and some who are still in denial of these facts, many recognise the
HERE WE GO AGAIN!
Richard Evans is the Chairman of the CIPHE’s Education and Training Group. In this issue of ETM he reminisces on his own experience of the days of grammar schools and the 11+. Stepping back in time Following the announcement of the reintroduction of grammar schools, I thought a personal recollection of my experience of the 11+ and the selection system that resulted in the 1940/50/60s will highlight the real concerns I have on this divisive proposal. One of the many notable hypotheses made by Karl Popper was that we learn from our mistakes. He brilliantly expressed it as ‘a negative
GETTING THE BALANCE RIGHT
Richard Evans is the Chairman of the CIPHE’s Education and Training Group. In this issue of ETM, he looks at the Trailblazer concept and the Plumbing & Domestic Heating Technician Apprenticeship. Bigger doesn’t mean better! Apprenticeships still occupy a central part of the skills agenda, but will all this discussion bring about the high quality frameworks that are now urgently required? The main political drive seems to be to create large numbers of appren- ticeships, but with little reference or debate about the quality and fitness for purpose of the programmes. These two elements are surely the most important and