[apeid.higher_education.bgk] Application: Consultant - Beyond Access: ICT-enhanced Innovative Pedagogy in TVET

Call for Consultancy

 

"Beyond Access: ICT-enhanced Innovative Pedagogy in TVET"

 

Terms of Reference

 

 

I. Background

 

UNESCO Bangkok seeks to conduct the research study entitled "Beyond Access: ICT-enhanced Innovative Pedagogy in TVET" in an effort to facilitate a better understanding of the potential of ICT in promoting innovative pedagogies and highlight promising practices of ICT use in TVET. In particular, this study aims to:  1) take stock of and document innovative practices of harnessing the potential of ICT in TVET in the Asia-Pacific region (AP), 2) explore ways to improve the pedagogical relevance of TVET to meet the changing skill needs of a digital society, and 3) provide policy recommendations for the innovative use of ICT and ways to increase quality of teacher training in TVET.

 

The study shall be a useful reference in guiding the transformation of teaching and learning in TVET as well as in improving teacher training for TVET within the region. Furthermore, it is hoped that this initial research will lead to a more in-depth follow-up study to understand the current situations in teaching and learning in TVET and identify gaps between the investigated cases and the realities across the region.  Based on the findings, further research plans will look into rethinking ICT as a source of transforming TVET, addressing skill deficits, and fostering innovation in employability to meet changing needs of a digital society.

 

II. Assignments

 

Under the authority of the Director, UNESCO Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education, the Contractor shall perform the following work assignment.

1. Develop a research framework (including research questions, methodologies, core indicators, and potential data sources) ; as well as design and produce a comprehensive work plan (NOTE: these will serve as the contents of the Inception Report)

2. Organize and conduct appropriate research activities

   1. Coordinate with the rest of the research team, if any, with regards to the research study

   2. Draft the appropriate research methodology for data gathering against core indicators

   3. Conduct data gathering activities (e.g. Internet search, literature review, review of policy documents, etc.)

   4. Collect, document and synthesize promising national and/or local initiatives within the AP region (at least 8 country cases) that implement ICT-enhanced innovative pedagogy in TVET

   5. Analyse the data in order to identify patterns in terms of motivation, core elements of innovation, strengths/weaknesses/opportunities/risks, benefits and challenges, lessons learned, and key success factors in effectively innovating TVET through ICT

   6. Formulate policy recommendations for ICT-enhanced innovative pedagogy in TVET and ways to improve the quality of TVET teacher training

   7. Drawn on the findings, propose a draft research framework for the follow-up study (i.e. an in-depth and extended study to understand the current situations in teaching and learning in TVET and identify gaps between the investigated cases and the realities across the region)

3. Incorporate review comments from the UNESCO into the final version of the research study

4. Prepare and submit the inception report and the final version of the research study

5. Make an effort to disseminate the research outcomes through scholarly network such as academic journals and/or conference presentations

6. Coordinate directly with the UNESCO Bangkok and UNEVOC project team on related matters

 

In line with UNESCO's overall gender mainstreaming strategy, the contractor is expected to integrate a gender perspective in all activities and apply gender analysis and mainstreaming concepts whenever feasible. Per UNESCO guidelines, the research study has to be subjected to external reviews prior to publication. 

 

III. Expected deliverables

 

1. An inception report

2. Final research report (including Policy recommendations for ICT-enhanced innovative pedagogy in TVET and ways to improve the quality of TVET teacher training; and a draft research framework for the follow-up study).

 

IV. Duration of contract

 

Up to 30 June 2016 from the date of granting of contract

 

V. Duty station and required travel

 

The consultancy does not require to be located in Bangkok, Thailand. The assignment can be done remotely.

 

VI. Fees:  USD 6,000 total

 

VII. Qualifications/Requirements

 

Education:  Advanced university degree in a relevant field

Experience: At least 5 years of research and analytical experience, preferably in the area of teaching and learning practices in TVET

Language skill: Excellent oral communication and report writing skills in English

 

 

Apply To:

 

Interested applicants are invited to submit a cover letter (in English and referencing the Job Announcement "Consultant: Beyond Access: ICT-enhanced Innovative Pedagogy in TVET") accompanied by full Curriculum Vitae stating details of educational qualifications, working experience, and contact information. The inclusion of sample research work (preferably via Dropbox or a similar service) is highly encouraged.   

 

Your application should be submitted by e-mail to apeid.bgk@unesco.org by 9^th February 2016.

 

 

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.