TEMPLATE FOR NETWORK DESCRIPTORS(to be handed in before 20 November 2008)

Network:

VETNET

Network Descriptors

Descriptors serve as first information for delegates to help them decide to which Network tohand in a proposal. They therefore need to be as specific as possible. Networks aretherefore asked to read through their descriptors at the EERA website(www.eera-ecer.eu/networks) and update them.The template foresees a general network descriptor of 500 words for all networks, plus a listof 5 – 7 keywords.If you want to give in addition to that more information, the EERA office will arrange for additional “pages” within your network website atwww.eera-ecer.eu. However, your networks’ starting page at the EERA website needs to follow the template

Network Objective/ Mission statement(will be displayed on starting page of your networks section at www.eera-ecer.eu)- General objective

, what do you want to accomplish with the network

Provide a definition of the

thematic research field

within the network. Please alsoidentify

(related) research areas that will not be included

in the network.

If your network is very close in focus to other EERA networks, please identify what makesyour network distinctive.The research network on vocational education and training (VETNET) was launched atECER'96 in Sevilla. Since ECER'97 the VETNET network has served as the joint platformand umbrella network for European research in vocational education and training (VET).The VETNET network covers a broad range of research and development activities in VET.The VETNET board has defined seven main areas:1. Globalisation, VET Systems and Innovation2. Accreditation, Qualifications and Frameworks3. Work Based Learning, Apprenticeship and Re-Training4. Professionalisation, Competence Development and Life Long Learning5. Boundary Crossing, Transitions and Transfers6. Curriculum, Pedagogy and Learning Resources (including E-Learning)7. Cultural Diversity, Learners and VETThe field of VET-related research covers both initial VET and continuing vocational training,both school-based and workplace-based learning provisions as well as the development of pedagogic expertise for vocational and professional education.VETNET provides an open platform for basic (discipline-based) research that deals withsome aspects of VET as well as for more specialised (interdisciplinary) researchapproaches that are more closely involved in the development of VET systems. The topicsthat have been covered by VETNET are related to several thematic clusters such as:•VET-related policy studies and cross-cultural comparisons between different VETsystems,•studies on current developments in working life and in the labour markets (aspreconditions for the shaping of VET provisions),

•studies on the uses of VET by diverse target groups and on the impact of trainingmeasures on the career development of the users,•studies on the shaping of curricula and learning environments for VET andevaluation of educational impact of pilot projects.The objectives of the VETNET network in promoting a common European research cultureare(1) to promote the discussion and dissemination through mutual learning of research andthe use of research results;(2) to explore the relationship between research, policy and practice;(3) to foster the highest quality of research in the field of Vocational Education and Training;and(4) to encourage cooperation under VET researchers in the European research area andbeyond.The VETNET Convenor and the elected Co-Convenors form the Board of VETNET. TheBoard organizes the double blind peer review process for the papers submitted. Based onthese reviews the annual VETNET programme is defined. The Convenors are elected for three years by a general assembly of the VETNET members.

Keywords(will be displayed on starting page of your networks section at www.eera-ecer.eu)

Please list 5 – 7 keywords for your network•Analyses of VET-related policies in national and European contexts,•Comparisons of different VET systems and cultural contexts for the development of VET,•Analyses of learning at workplaces and of arrangements for promoting work-relatedlearning,•Analyses of changing skill needs and of measures to promote lifelong learning,•Monitoring of school-to work transition and socio-cultural patterns for career development,•Studies of new learning designs and of piloting their usability with different learners,•Analyses of curricular and social innovations in VET (including ICT-related learningand e-learning in the context of VET)•Development of methodologies for innovation research and evaluation research inVET,•Analyses on the role of research in the professionalisation of pedagogic expertise inVET,•Analyses of the role of VET-related research in promoting cross-cultural cooperationand knowledge transfer in European and international contexts.

History(will be displayed on history page of your networks section at www.eera-ecer.eu)

Since when is your network operating?Who started it, who acted as convenors?Has your field of focus changed since it was originally founded?The research network for vocational education and training (VENET) was launched atECER '96 in Sevilla, Spain in an open meeting of VET researchers. The initiative was taken