Beyond Skills - (Knowledge Economy and Education) by Leesa Wheelahan & Gavin Moodie (Hardcover)

About the Book

This book critiques current conceptions of vocational education based on narrow views of skills, work, and social relations, and argues for a more expansive approach based on human capabilities.

Book Synopsis

Vocational education transforms the lives of its students and offers them opportunities they would otherwise not have. Vocational education teachers and institutions support students and contribute to their communities, regions and industries, often in spite of, and not because of, funding and government policies. This book argues that a new 'social settlement' is needed in vocational education, one which is based on a broader understanding of occupations and preparation for work. It argues for more expansive understandings of the purposes of vocational education which includes support for human flourishing, social justice, social inclusion, and sustainability.

About the Author

Leesa Wheelahan is Professor Emerita at the Ontario Institute for Studies, University of Toronto, and she holds honorary positions with the Department of Education, University of Oxford, and the Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne.

Gavin Moodie is honorary research fellow in the Department of Education, University of Oxford, and is an adjunct professor with the Department of Leadership, Higher and Adult Education, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto.