New-look Record of Learning

A new-look Record of Learning (RoL) was posted out to around 35,000 secondary students early May.

In addition, 2800 people who requested their RoL were also sent one.

The way the information is presented on the Record of Learning has changed this year based on feedback received from students and employers. NZQA wanted to make learners' achievements more readily understandable.

"At the same time we've redesigned the look, using watermarked paper for increased security," says Bali Haque, Deputy Chief Executive Qualifications, NZQA.

"We're aiming for less waste by selecting a paper stock with 50% recycled content, and printing double-sided."

The main changes on the RoL are:

• A summary of qualifications and achievement appear at the top

• Standards are grouped according to related areas of study (rather than by domain number)

• Where the learner has achieved the highest grade possible in a standard, the grade will appear in bold type

"A lot of work has gone into creating the new look to the RoL, in consultation with the wider sector, and we are confident that this will better meet the needs of the employers, tertiary education providers and learners themselves," Bali says.

Following the distribution of the Record of Learning, a sample of the recipients was sent a questionnaire.

Those who were automatically sent a copy of their RoL were asked if it was useful to receive their RoL at this time, when the most useful time to receive it would be, and what they intended to do with the document. Those who requested a RoL were asked how and why they requested it and what they intended to do with it. The questionnaires also asked for feedback on any other information learners wanted on their RoL.

The results of the survey will be used to improve the content and how and when the Record of Learning is sent out next year.