(ISBN: 978-971-8557-96-9) | Copyright: CPSC, UNESCO-UNEVOC, GIZ, MoE Malaysia, 2013

The education systems all over the world are facing great challenges in keeping pace with the rapid globalization of the 21st century. The huge impact of globalization in the education systems which include innovations in ICT, international and regional competitions, constantly changing needs of the world of work, etc., calls for the reorientation of the education systems in general and of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) systems in particular. Various challenges, which have brought forth the changing role of TVET educators include: the need to adapt to evolving skills such as Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS), green skills, etc; shortage of well-trained TVET teachers; and the growing concern for policy reforms and initiatives in preparing TVET educators for the next generation.

In creating a platform for exchange of ideas and best practices and innovations on preparing TVET educators to face the challenges of the 21st century, the Colombo Plan Staff College for Technician Education spearheaded an International Conference on Preparing TVET Educators for the Next Generation (EDUCON 2011). CPSC jointly organized the program with partners UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre for TVET, GIZ Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, Germany, and the Department of Polytechnic Education, Ministry of Higher Education (DPE - MOHE), Malaysia from December 12 to 13, 2011 at Corus Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The international conference proved to be a major and successful event where 208 key officials and representatives from 25 countries namely, Australia, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, China, Egypt, Fiji, Germany, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Korea, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, UK and USA extensively exchanged, discussed, deliberated and shared expert opinions, creative ideas, valuable information, experiences, research results, innovations and new initiatives on TVET in general and on TVET educators’ development in particular.

This proceeding compiles 31 papers presented by leading thinkers, global practitioners, TVET academicians, experts and country-representatives highlighting major areas and concerns needing attention in the enhancement of capacity building programs of TVET educators. Different parts of this book are devoted to the various sessions of the conference which was comprised of two plenary sessions, three panel discussions and four tracks. Plenary Session 1 presented the Emerging Trends in TVET Educators’ Development; followed by Panel Discussion 1 which focused on Preparing TVET Educators in the Knowledge Society: Perspectives and Strategies. Plenary Session 2, on the other hand, was devoted to Using ICT for TVET Educators’ Development, Panel Discussion 2 ensued which discussed issues on TVET Educators for Green Economy and Panel Discussion 3 provided inputs on Research and New Initiatives in TVET Educators’ Development. While Tracks A to D were simultaneously held right after panel discussions 1 and 3, where representative from CPSC member countries shared their experiences, good practices and perspectives on the emerging challenges for TVET educators’ development.