Call for papers

Conference theme: Access, Equity and Pathways.

Conference Date: Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 June 2024

Venue: TAFE Queensland, South Bank campus (plus virtual attendance)

Submissions open: Thursday 1 February 2024

Deadline for abstract/papers/poster submissions: Tuesday 7 May 2024

Notification of abstract/papers/poster submissions: Monday 27 May 2024

Final submission for accepted posters: Monday 3 June 2024

Conference registration opens: Friday 8 March 2024

Early bird conference registrations close: Friday 3 June 2024

Final submissions for publication in the 2024 SoLT Book of Proceedings: Thursday 1 August 2024

This conference schedule comprises of four pre-conference workshops on Wednesday 26 June 2024 and eight concurrent presentation tracks on Thursday 27 June 2024.  

The purpose of this conference is to enable vocational and higher education educators, professional staff, and students a platform to showcase, share, and reflect on their scholarship.

Conference tracks:

  • Transformative vocational and higher education: This track examines the empowerment of learners to develop personally and professionally with an emphasis on resilience, ethical values and social responsibility. Case studies and empirical papers are welcome.
  • Social mobility through tertiary education: This track considers the role of vocational and higher education in breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to improve their social and economic status. Submissions may explore strategies, policies and practices that promote educational equity and access.
  • Equity and inclusion across vocational and higher education sectors: This track addresses disparities in educational access and outcomes. Papers may present evidence of educational access and outcomes, and disparities within. Papers may also examine methods for evaluating the impact of education on social mobility, economic prosperity and student/community well-being.
  • Jobs, skills and curriculum development: This track comprises papers exploring the connection between jobs, skills and curriculum development within vocational and higher education. Macro level data analysis as well as micro level student perspectives may be included. Other papers may consider the preparation of students for the digital workforce.
  • Learning and teaching innovations: This track showcases innovative vocational and higher education pedagogical approaches including applied learning, experiential learning and lifelong learning initiatives. Other papers in this track may explore innovative educational technologies, digital learning platforms, virtual delivery modes and the potential enhancement of quality and accessibility in education.
  • Education's role in community development: Skills development and knowledge generation are essential components of strong and resilient communities. This track focuses on how vocational and higher educational institutions and programs can contribute to community development, social cohesion, and local sustainability.
  • Partnerships and pathways: This track is focused on documenting and analysing partnerships and pathways within and across vocational education, higher education industry and government. Papers may explore the process of establishing partnership and/or facilitating cross-institutional and cross-sector pathways. Industry collaboration studies with regards to for example, trade apprenticeships and/or high-level apprenticeships are also welcome.
  • Future trends and challenges: This track seeks to anticipate future trends in teaching and learning across vocational and higher education. At the sector level, potential topics include the strengthening of vocational and higher education engagement, sustainable funding models and the changing nature of work. At the institutional level, potential topics may include increasing accreditation and quality assurance demands and ensuring equitable access. On the teaching and learning front, topics may include ensuring course designs are aligned with community jobs and skills needs.  

Submission format options:

Choose from 3 submission options:

  1. Abstract
  2. Paper
  3. Poster

Abstract:

  • Max 500 words (not including references); APA referencing required
  • Ensure chosen topic is aligned with conference theme
  • Identify which conference track is preferred
  • Abstract submission may provide a synopsis of completed or in-progress scholarship/research projects

Accepted abstract submissions will require:

  • Author(s) to provide 10-minute presentation plus a 5-minute Q&A
  • Authors of accepted abstract submissions will have the opportunity to opt in/out for publication in the Book of Proceedings 

Paper:

  • Max 3,500 words (not including references); APA referencing required
  • Ensure chosen topic is aligned with conference theme
  • Identify which conference track is preferred

Paper submissions may feature the following:

  • Significant theoretical reviews;
  • Reports on medium to large scale research, evaluations, developments or project;
  • Research studies in areas of innovative vocational and higher educational practice;
  • Case studies of innovative initiatives, pilot projects or institutional strategies 
Accepted paper submissions will require:

  • Author(s) to provide 20-minute presentation plus a 5-minute Q&A
  • Authors of accepted paper submissions will have until Thursday 1 August 2024 to revise prior to publication in the Book of Proceedings
  • Authors of paper submissions considered as early development will be given the option to present a poster rather than a paper

Poster:

  • Ensure chosen topic is aligned with conference theme
  • Submit a one-page (250 words max excluding referencing) abstract outlining the concept of intended poster
  • Authors of abstract or paper submissions considered as early development will be given the option to present a poster rather than abstract/paper

Accepted poster submissions will require:

  • Author(s) to present their poster at the conference poster session
  • Cost of poster printing will be covered