Robby Weatherley - NSW Award for Excellent Service to Public Education and Training 2005
Robby Weatherley, R/Manager VET Projects for TAFE NSW ICVET, has been recognised by the NSW Department of Education and Training for her outstanding contribution to professional development in vocational education and training (VET) with this award.
As a very warm and engaging person, Robby maintains excellent working relationships with people from across the VET sector. She has established a wide range of strategic alliances and networks, working with complex agendas and issues. Robby is regularly asked to present at conferences and workshops and with a career that spans 30 years, is a very impressive and loyal ambassador for vocational education and training and TAFE NSW.
Many people know Robby through her national leadership role in professional development in Australia. She is the Manager of the Capability Building Program for the Australian Flexible Learning Framework. She has initiated and oversighted many programs both statewide and nationally, including LearnScope, the (previous) Australian Flexible Learning Community and conducted a number of highly successful national Networking conferences. Robby is also currently a member of the research project team for Designing Professional Development for the Knowledge Era – a project being conducted by TAFE NSW ICVET in partnership with DEST.
Here Robby shares some of her thoughts on vocational education and training and public education.
From your extensive experience, what are the most significant changes you have seen in TAFE education?
When I think of TAFE I immediately think of what makes it a great place to learn. That then raises some general comments about the quality of teaching and learning. Over the 30 years I’ve been in TAFE, more and more I have noticed a shift from a very teacher centred model of presenting to more focus on students – their learning needs, styles and lots of group work. More recently it is exciting to see many of the creative ways teachers are using technology as a tool in the learning process. This still has a long way to go but there have been major shifts.
I’m noticing an enormous impact in teaching and learning brought about by technology. In the early 80s computers (and software) were being introduced to teachers and the main focus was on resource development… Now technology, especially social software like blogs, wikis, online networks, and aggregation, are changing the way teachers and students interact. This also is providing greater flexibility in where and when students learn.
Teachers' roles are much more extensive. Not only do they need to be great educators or trainers but also they need to be entrepreneur, marketer, salesperson, industry liaison officer, counsellor, administrator, manager, and aware of changes that affect their work locally, nationally and globally. The skill set is extensive and often expected without development opportunities.
What makes you so passionate about public/VET education?
I have a sense of pride in working for a public organization. Public VET education opens up endless opportunities for learning for a new career, updating skills and for changing directions in work and life. The people I have worked with have been dedicated to quality learning opportunities for students. Irrespective of the vast changes that have taken place in programs, the students have always been at the centre of their work and their commitment is at the forefront.
What is so important and unique about TAFE’s role in public education? Is it so necessary?
To me public education is about providing a quality service to our citizens. To me this means there is no discrimination about who can be a TAFE student. Irrespective of socio-economic situation, race, background, or disadvantage there are opportunities for learning! This is what makes TAFE so incredibly unique and appealing to me as a person with a strong sense of social responsibility and a great passion for a civil society.
What do you see as the most significant challenges ahead for VET education and TAFE?
TAFE is in the midst of significant changes brought about, not only by national strategies but also by the impact of globalisation and technological advancements. Juggling these changes, together with the pace of change, large institutions are finding it challenging to respond to the increased uncertainty and predictability while at the same time provide an environment for teachers to be creative, risk adverse and innovative in their teaching and learning.
Organisations, or more specifically managers and leaders, need to provide opportunities and environments for staff to develop their knowledge and skills in ways that suit their needs. This may mean looking at development opportunities in a variety of ways that link and connect people nationally and globally. For teachers I believe there will be a greater challenge in juggling priorities and contradictions with a much greater expectation to take the initiative and be much more self-directed in finding opportunities for staying abreast of the rapidly changing teaching environment. This may be through connecting with a range of global networks, involvement in professional associations and communities of practice.
Another challenge ahead for VET teachers is to see the potential of technologies for new forms of action and interaction in learning and in teaching and to continue to develop the ability to use this in daily work and life.
Balancing time for red tape and paperwork (I’m thinking here about things like admin stuff – OHS and forms, forms, forms!) and having the time to be creative for a unique and enjoyable learning experience is perhaps the biggest challenge, current challenge. I see more and more TAFE teachers really keen to be part of the exciting, creative world that incorporates new learning technologies into their daily working lives but constantly ‘running behind’ because of more and more ‘paperwork’. This is a major paradox.
What can other individuals do to make a difference?
Be open to new ideas. Seek out professional connections and engage in networks and conversations with people nationally and globally. Take risks by trying new practices in teaching. Be willing to share your ideas with others. Putting new ideas into your own context will add a new flavour and excitement to teaching and learning.
