Research News

2008 End-of-Year Survey Results

NZQA would like to thank all Principals' Nominees, teachers and candidates who participated in the 2008 end-of-year surveys. Here are some of the initial findings of the surveys.

Principals' Nominees generally happy with moderation

In November 2008 Principals' Nominees from all accredited secondary schools with NCEA external entries (442) were surveyed on the current procedures around NCEA. There was a response rate of 75% (331).

Generally, the various changes made to the moderation process in 2008 were well received. The great majority (94%) found the more detailed feedback in the subject moderation reports 'useful' or 'very useful'. Further, three-quarters (75%) found the option for teachers to submit their own evidence for specific feedback either 'useful' or 'very useful'.

However, Principals' Nominees had mixed views on random selection of students' work for moderation. Some believed that random selection works well, but others found it a time-consuming process.

Teachers' feedback on the 2008 examinations

For each of levels 1, 2, 3 and Scholarship, teachers were questioned on each standard's content, instructions, answer booklet layout, resource materials, suggested completion time, and difficulty.

Overall, teacher feedback on the 2008 NCEA external assessments was positive (level 1 English (90053) and level 2 Geography (90331 and 90332) were received particularly favourably). However, teachers found a few Mathematics standards (90153, 90638 and 90290) 'a little too difficult' or 'very difficult'. They also believed that the level 3 Biology standards (90715 and 90719) required better coverage of the relevant achievement criteria.

Currently, teacher feedback is assisting examiners in designing the 2009 examinations.

New Research Projects

The Communications Survey Programme

Shortly, NZQA's written communications will come under the spotlight with a number of surveys that will collect information on the effectiveness of our communications for clients. Kicking it off will be a major survey that will go live on the NZQA website in March. This survey will ask for feedback on the website, brochures, QA News and other newsletters.

The survey will also ask clients for suggestions for improvement of NZQA's communications. Eventually, the survey findings will be used to make our communication methods more targeted and useful.

NZQA looks forward to hearing what you have to say!

Youth of Today

Teachers may be interested in a recently-released Youth '07 Survey, from the University of Auckland, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences. The researchers found a marked improvement in students' emotional wellbeing compared to the 2001 survey. They also found that most students like school and that the majority of students feel a part of their school. For further information on the survey and results see www.youth2000.ac.nz.

Calling Visual Arts, Graphics and Technology Teachers (at all levels)!

NZQA seeks your feedback on 2008 assessment issues, such as the submission process and marking for external assessments. The subject-specific surveys can be completed online until 13 March 2009.

For further information on any of the research projects discussed please email Research and Knowledge Services.