Teaching for Student Success in Vocational Higher Education

“In this masterly synthesis of research findings and practical advice, Sue Richardson provides the essential handbook for teachers of makers and doers to develop their own craft to the highest level. Bravo!” –Guy Claxton, Emeritus Professor at the University of Winchester and Visiting Professor of Education at King's College London, UK. Author of Building Learning Power (2002) and co-author of Bodies of Learning: How Embodiment Science Transforms Education (forthcoming). “In this practical book stuffed full of helpful ideas and activities, Sue Richardson expertly takes readers through how to set vocational students up for success. She constantly explores how the necessary tension between ‘doing’ and ‘thinking’ can engage learners, and does so in a refreshingly accessible style.” –Stephen Brookfield, Emeritus Professor at University of St. Thomas and Adjunct Professor, Teachers College, Columbia University, USA. Author of The Skillful Teacher (2015).   “This book addresses a vital area for teacher development. Vocational teachers are the growing tip in their professions, and their students fashion our future.  This book will help vocational teachers in HE in their indispensable task.” – Geoff Petty, author of Teaching Today (2014), and How to Teach Even Better (2018). This book defines and explores student success for teaching in vocational higher education. It embraces a holistic approach to engagement, learning and progress towards individual goals, whilst also acknowledging the need to help students master module learning goals. The Vocational Education Student Success Model (VESS) is introduced to embed module mastery, engagement and study skills into sessions. Aimed at industry professionals teaching in higher education, this book is a practical, easy-to-read, and jargon-free guide to teaching and learning. It includes clear descriptions of relevant theory with vocational examples and three chapters of teaching and learning activities. Sue Richardson has over 25 years’ experience in education. Her diverse expertise encompasses health and social education, creative arts, and professional development for educators. This is further strengthened by her recent PhD researching student success. Beyond academia, she is a professional jazz trumpeter and singer.