And what about the themes?

For a moment we we wondering, should we go on with these preparations at all. Namely, we heard that there is another network having another conference 15. - 16.6.2011, and for a while we thought that perhaps the agendas of these two conferences are too overlapping. After a while of negotiations among the Nordic partners we figured out that the scope of Nordyrk isn't the same as ours. Nordyrk is more concerned about vocational pedagogy as a whole, and has a more research orientated approach. NYK on the other hand is interested in the implementation of vocational teacher education in the Nordic countries, and deserves its own biannual gathering!

This years themes circle around new ways of implementing vocational teacher education.

Denmark

New program for vocational teacher education (diplomuddannelsen i erhvervspædagogik), started in August 2010. Special emphases on blended learning.‬

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Finland
New qualification requirements for Vocational Teachers, starting August 2011



Iceland

The New Legislation about Teacher Education in Iceland: Prospects for Vocational Education



Norway

Lessons learned from 10 years of 3-year vocational teacher training (bachelor) in Norway

Sweden
‬Legislation is undergoing major changes also in Sweden.

We'll also have interesting workshops on e.g. online teacher training and work based  learning. Plus an excursion. So, stay tuned to get more info!

Who is doing what?

I have been roaming around the world in other matters, and haven't had time to do much preparations for NYK2011. Luckily my colleagues have been more active! In order to be able to publish the program, and start marketing the event, I'll send some inquries to our Nordic contact persons today. So, stay tuned, I hope I'll soon be able to tell something cocrete!

Best wishes
Irmeli