Out-of-Field Teaching in VET

What is the out-of-field teaching phenomenon? The term may not be widely known outside educational circles, but its implications are far-reaching and can affect the quality of vocational training, the preparedness of our workforce, and ultimately, our economy.

On a recent course project I had the pleasure of working alongside Dr. Sonal Nakar who has researched this subject extensively.

You can read about Dr. Nakar’s work in this article: Nakar, S., Du Plessis, A.E. Facing the Dilemma of the Out-of-Field Teaching Phenomenon in Vocational Education and Training (VET). Vocations and Learning (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12186-023-09329-8

The research sheds light on the complexities of this issue. It reveals the challenges faced by educators who are tasked with teaching and assessing competencies beyond their field of expertise.

Ensuring vocational trainers are well-equipped in their subject areas is not just an educational concern, but an economic one.

Background and Importance of VET

VET is crucial for Australia’s economy, providing pathways for education and skill development. It is the largest education sector in the australia. With over 4 million students enrolled in VET, it’s not difficult to see the significant impact poor quality teaching can have.

Out-of-Field Teaching in VET

Out-of-field teaching is where teachers are assigned to teach things they have inadequate training or expertise.

This can lead to dilemmas for teachers, impacting their professional identity and the quality of teaching.

Teachers may lack in-depth content knowledge, which is crucial for facilitating deep learning and discussions.

This lack of expertise can affect students, especially those with diverse learning needs or those who are low-performing.

VET teachers need dual skills:

• expertise in the vocational area they teach
• skills for effective teaching.

The phenomenon is common globally and poses challenges for teacher satisfaction, self-efficacy, and student learning outcomes.

Impact on Workforce and Industry

VET is linked to industry needs, and out-of-field teaching can affect the preparation of a skilled workforce. There are shortages in skilled employees in various industries, and out-of-field teaching exacerbates this issue.

Quality teaching in VET is essential for developing problem-solving and higher-order reasoning skills relevant to the industry.

Findings of the Research

The study emphasises the need for VET teachers to have both content expertise and pedagogical knowledge to ensure quality education. It suggests that experienced teachers are better equipped to handle changes and challenges in the VET sector. The research calls for action to support out-of-field teachers and improve the quality of VET teaching.

It recommends evidence-informed strategies to support teachers and address the challenges of the out-of-field teaching phenomenon.

The article is raising a red flag about the practice of having teachers in vocational education who are teaching subjects they’re not experts in. This practice can lead to lower-quality education and a workforce that’s not as skilled as it needs to be, which is a big deal for industries that rely on these skilled workers.

The research suggests that we need to find ways to support these teachers better and make sure they have the right knowledge to teach their subjects effectively.