Foundation Learning Quality Assurance

Self Review Guide

Practice Two: Resources

The provider has adequate and appropriate resources to support its foundation learning programmes.

Resources may include: teaching and administrative staff, budgets, premises, texts and other learning resources, administration and time.

What this means

Resources should be adequate to enable the provider to deliver quality programmes. They should be appropriate to foundation learners’ needs as adults, as well as their particular contexts.

How does this help foundation learners?

Programmes that target literacy, numeracy and language skills require resources that deliberately address learners’ literacy, numeracy or language needs. Evidence shows that learners respond positively to learning texts and resources that are relevant to their contexts and needs. Research findings suggest the importance of literacy teachers having adequate non-teaching time for planning and professional development (Benseman et al, 2005).

Possible sources of evidence

Providers may demonstrate they have adequate and appropriate resources through:

documentation about financial resources
resources outlined in course descriptors
teaching texts and materials
staff development plans
staffing policies
learning resources and facilities
management planning documents
annual programme reports
learner evaluations
effective learner to tutor ratios
resources policies and procedures
lists of resources and records of their maintenance
records of tutor discussions

Requirement 2.1

Foundation learning resources are adequate and appropriate to the social, cultural, vocational and learning context and programme goals, and they meet adult learners’ needs.

Key questions

What resources do staff need to deliver the programme effectively for the learners?
How does the provider ensure and demonstrate that the resources needed to deliver effective foundation learning programmes are available?
How does the provider determine the resources are fit for the purpose of delivering effective programmes to learners?
How well do the resources deliberately address learners’ literacy, numeracy and language needs?
Are financial resources adequately allocated within the budget for the programme?

An example of an appropriate resource is one that affirms Māori knowledge and values for Māori learners .

An example of an inappropriate resource is the use of publications designed for children or young people in a wholly adult context (although this may be appropriate when a learner has a specific goal of learning to read books with children).

Requirement 2.2

Foundation learning resources are regularly reviewed to remain adequate and appropriate to the social, cultural, vocational and learning context, the goals of the programme, and adult learner needs.

Key question

How does the provider review the adequacy and appropriateness of the resources in its foundation learning programmes, for the benefit of all the learners and staff?

Provider example

At the end of each programme, a provider’s foundation learning tutors hold a meeting to review resources used in the programme. At the meeting they identify which resources are to be adapted or culled and which new resources are required.

Page updated: 20 February 2007