NOTE 
       This map highlights thematic trends of papers based on a keyword analysis (see Index of keywords). Keywords have been drawn from the  titles and/or abstracts of the proceedings papers (1 to 3 keywords per paper). The map includes the most frequent keywords (22), each of which occurs in at least 5 papers, with a total of 293 hits related to 249 papers (representing nearly 80% of all proceedings papers 1998 to 2008). The number of hits per paper and year is indicated by 4 levels of grey: 
     
       < 1 paper    < 2 papers    < 3 papers
    + 
    		  < 4 or more papers
     
    Keyword / Year Total hits 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
    learning 46  
    +
    		    
    +
    +
    +
    		  
    +
    		  
    +
    VET 31  
    +
    		        
    +
    		    
    +
    training 25
    +
    		    
    +
    		      
    +
    		      
    competence 23    
    +
    		  
    +
    +
    		  
    learning & work 21        
    +
    		      
    +
    knowledge 17                  
    identity 14  
    +
    		      
    research 14          
    +
    		    
    skills 13      
    +
    		      
    education 12            
    work 12      
    +
    		      
    evaluation 09        
    +
    		  
    HRD 09            
    qualification 09            
    LLL 08          
    assessment 07      
    VET&HRD 07  
    +
    curriculum 05        
    CVT 05        
    partnership 05        
    trainer 05    
    transition 05      

    A few comments on thematic trends (related to the distribution of keywords in the map above)

       The most striking aspect is the position of learning as the dominant theme throughout the 11-year period. Its leading role was already identified in an earlier thematic analysis of European VET and HRD research (see Trend 2005). Furthermore, the breakdown of topics associated with learning (see Index) reveals a broad thematic spectrum which goes far beyond the specific area of VET. 
       Both learning and the two following keywords VET and training are fairly evenly represented across the time period, thereby demonstrating a thematic continuity of research. This also applies to less frequent keywords including knowledge, skills, work, lifelong learning and curriculum. 
       Several keywords start, or their frequency increases, later in the period, thus providing evidence of newly arising themes, for instance learning & work (starting 2000), competence (increasing from 2002 onwards) and evaluation (reappearing since 2004).
       Other keywords which are confined to the beginning of the period indicate discontinuing themes. Most clearly, HRD research seems to have lost its early significance - probably due to the emergence of the parallel European HRD conferences from 2000 onwards. Similarly, themes related to qualification are found more in the first half of the period, with only one reappearance in 2008, possibly as a signal of new relevance in the context of ECVET/EQF.
       Finally, a few keywords only turn up for brief time spans, but then fairly frequently. Mostly they arise from specific European projects or events, producing a thematic highlight, with hardly any predecessor or follow-up. Prominent examples among the top keywords are identity (EU project) and VET&HRD (round-table sessions). Also, the brief appearance of more common themes such as CVT and trainer is mainly due to specific EU projects. 


    © WIFO
    Set up: 13/10/2008
    Last update: 11/12/2009

    [Back to all Proceedings] [Index author] [Index country] [Index keyword] [Map keyword] [Top of the page]