News & Events
Teaching and learning 'front and centre' of Kiwi tertiary sector
14 July 2011
Improving teaching and learning is seen as the key to delivering high quality tertiary education in New Zealand.
Dr Peter Coolbear, Director, Ako Aotearoa, is coming to Australia to share work that is being done across the Tasman in a keynote address at the 20th National Vocational Education and Training Research Conference, ‘No Frills’.
“While the best of tertiary education in New Zealand is undoubtedly world class, we often find that the brilliant is coexisting with the not-so-good,” Dr Coolbear said.
“To try and lift standards across the board we are funding evidence-based vocational education and training (VET) research that is focussed on how teachers can improve learning for their students and how their organisations can support them in this.
“We have also found that sharing good practice in the classroom, such as helping students improve their literacy and writing skills through online group work, benefits all learners.
“Despite being controversial, current reforms, such as publishing performance indicators for each educational institution on course completions have made organisations improve the quality of their teaching and learning practices. There are some interesting times ahead for tertiary education.”
Ako Aotearoa is New Zealand’s National Centre for Tertiary Teaching Excellence. It aims to deliver the best possible learning outcomes for all students by working with educational institutions to improve teaching and learning. It commissions and disseminates research to identify and promote good practice in the tertiary education sector and encourages exceptional work through initiatives such at the national Tertiary Teaching Excellence Awards. For more information visit http://akoaotearoa.ac.nz/
Dr Coolbear will deliver his keynote address, ‘Vocational education research in New Zealand: old issues and emerging opportunities from a funder’s perspective’ at 8.45am AEST on 15 July 2011 at the North Coast TAFE Coffs Harbour Education Campus.
Media enquiries or to request an interview with Dr Coolbear:
Jessica Justin, Marketing Officer or Colleen Young, Marketing Services Manager 08 8230 8400
