Preparing for external evaluation and review

Role playing was among the training techniques used to help lead evaluators prepare for the start of external evaluation and review with the Private Training Establishments.

In one scenario (pictured) trainer Phillip Capper played the part of a PTE chief executive, supported by "teacher" Sue Walbran (NZQA Quality Development Manager). They were interviewed by lead evaluators Jan Davey and Ewen Holstein. A discussion about the evaluative conversation that had unfolded followed.

It is important for the evaluators to be clear about the purpose of the visit to the PTE and the conversations that will be held," says NZQA's Syd King.

"For example, evaluators need to make it clear to the PTE that, 'We're interested in what you're achieving here, what students are achieving; is this matching up with their needs and how do you know?'"

External evaluation and review teams will make use of a pool of evaluators that include people from the tertiary education sector. Eighty people were selected from 220 who registered their interest. The first 15 were trained in August.

External evaluation and review with selected PTEs begins this month. Policies and guidelines relating to the new quality assurance framework became effective from 1 September. These documents are available at: www.nzqa.govt.nz/for-providers/index.html

NZQA will publish the schedule for EERs for 2010 shortly. EERs for PTEs begin this year, those for ITPs and other organisations next year.

Caption: (left to right) NZQA staff Ewen Holstein, Jan Davey and Sue Walbran along with trainer Phillip Capper simulate an interview/discussion, as part of the lead evaluator training.