Tertiary reforms: evaluating what matters most

The new quality assurance framework fundamental to the tertiary education reforms is taking shape and NZQA is seeking sector input.

The reforms aim to build a tertiary sector aligned to the government's broader national goals, to transform New Zealand with a highly skilled, innovative workforce and meet the changing needs of the economy.

In future there will be a greater emphasis on outcomes for stakeholders - including learners, employers and the regions - and meeting their needs. Government funding will depend on the capability of a Tertiary Education Organisation (TEO) to deliver those outcomes.

A key component in this shift in focus for investment in tertiary education is the new quality assurance system.

Sector engagement

"Sector input is vital in developing this system," Mike Willing, NZQA's Deputy Chief Executive Quality Assurance, says.

There has been consultation with peak bodies and other representative groups with NZQA staff visits to polytechnics and institutes of technology, meetings of specially convened working groups such as academic managers, hui with wānanga, and road shows for Private Training Establishments in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

"All have provided valuable insights as well an opportunity to share information and receive feedback," Mike says.

Working papers have been posted to the tertiary reforms page of the NZQA website, to encourage all TEOs to consider the ideas presented.

"We hope that people will take the opportunity to discuss and debate the ideas with colleagues and to pass on their collective views at this formative stage," Mike says.

"The feedback from the first phase of the consultation was useful and demonstrated a high level of interest in, and commitment to, developments."

Further formal consultation will take place before the end of the year.

Outcome focus

NZQA's Tertiary Reforms team is now identifying the elements of the new quality assurance system. The two key components are ongoing self-assessment, with periodic external evaluation and review.

A discussion document on the web outlines the principles of self-assessment and external evaluation and review. It introduces the evaluative approach, with a focus on educational outcomes and key processes that contribute to those outcomes.

"There should be a direct link between quality outcomes, what matters most, and the processes that are effective in achieving them," Mike says.

"TEOs also need to look for evidence of this link in evaluating their strengths and weaknesses and in planning strategically."

The team is also testing ideas about quality assurance against overseas practice and talking to international evaluation experts.

"We want to capture the best of overseas experience while ensuring any new systems are appropriate for New Zealand . This approach to quality assurance will build on existing good practice in the sector," Mike says.

Another research paper on the web surveys the nature of external review within New Zealand and other countries.

Evaluation indicator development

As part of the evaluative approach, NZQA has begun developing a systems model which will be used to produce draft evaluation indicators.

Common to both internal and external review, the tertiary evaluation indicators will help TEOs and evaluators make judgements about quality. Information from both quality assurance and the Tertiary Education Commission monitoring will contribute to the government's investment decisions.

"All this should help to build a culture of continuous improvement, as well as accountability," Mike says.

Consultation on the draft tertiary evaluation indicators will take place later this year and they will be trialled in 2008.

More information is available elsewhere on this site.