New Zealand Qualifications Authority Presentation to the 18 th IDP Conference October 2004 Tony Davies, Manager, Policy/Strategy Introduction Issues For Discussion Include: Current National Policies in international education quality assurance New initiatives for quality assurance in international education Benchmarking international education quality assurance Implications for quality when working crossculturally Opportunities for Collaboration
Government s International Education Framework Engagement with industry and providers on a strategic plan Enhanced quality assurance mechanisms Increasing diversification and stability in the sector Industry Strategy achieving and sustaining world class quality diversification in both geographic markets and modes of supply strengthening public support in New Zealand awareness of capacity and yield management future growth towards value / higher yield connectedness of government agencies (to maximise economic and social returns) relevant information and research; andensure international recognition for world class educational services.
Government Key Players 1. Quality of Education 2. Social & Economic Development 3. Sustainability of Export Education 4. Interrelationships 5. Ownership 6. Impact Ministry of Education, Qualifications Authority, Education Review Office Ministry of Economic Development and Ministry of Social Development New Zealand Trade and Industry Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Department of Labour (Immigration) and New Zealand Tourism Ministry of Education and Tertiary Education Commission Central and local government Overview of New Zealand System Minister of Education Education Review Office Evaluates the education and care of students in schools and early childhood education services. New Zealand Qualifications Authority Delegates authority for approval and accreditation New Zealand Vice- Chancellors Committee Degree level and below Below degree level only Quality assurance of school qualifications Approvals, Accreditation and Audit Business Unit The Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics in New Zealand Association of Colleges of Education in New Zealand Committee on University Academic Programmes New Zealand Universities Academic Audit Unit Postgraduate programmes Degree level and above Schools Private Training Establishments Wänanga Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics Colleges of Education Universities
New Zealand Qualifications Authority Qualifications System Quality Assurance National Qualifications Framework Evaluation of Overseas Quals Domestic Students International Students Integrated and Cohesive Qualification and Quality Assured System Quality Assurance NZQA sets the overarching policy for the quality assurance of qualifications and quality NZQA is responsible for the quality assurance of all national qualifications and the delivery of education & training outside universities NZQA delegates quality assurance functions to polytechnics and colleges of education NZQA is the Quality Assurance Body for Private Training Establishments
Quality Assurance Developments Foreign fee-paying students Change in legislative powers Developing new standards for overarching Quality Assurance Bodies Ensuring quality beyond New Zealand shores Quality Assurance Developments (cont) Growing emphasis on ensuring quality of teaching Stronger emphasis on learning outcomes (course approval) Government review of quality in Tertiary sector
Cross Border Quality Assurance Key issues for New Zealand: Quality assurance of provision of education to international students studying in New Zealand Quality assurance of the activities of New Zealand education providers in other countries Quality assurance of the New Zealand based activities of education providers from other countries Quality Assurance for International Students Key Issues Provision of quality education that is fit for purpose Provision of accurate, comprehensive information to prospective students Maintenance of standards in face of fluctuations in the numbers of students Mechanisms Registration of private providers Course approval and accreditation of providers Quality Audit Code of practice for the pastoral care of International students
Quality Assurance of NZ Providers in other Countries Key Issues Maintenance of quality standards Jurisdiction Quality of educational partners in host country Mechanisms Cross boarder information sharing International quality assurance networks Site specific accreditation Quality Assurance of Providers from other Countries Operating in New Zealand Key Issues Must meet the same standards as New Zealand providers Enrolment of international students Mechanisms Legislative protection of terms Registration of providers Information sharing with country of origin
Strengths of the New Zealand System There is consistency and cohesion, with NZQA having overarching responsibility for the setting and maintenance of standards across the tertiary education sector Promotion of flexibility, recognition and transfer of credit, portability of qualifications, lifelong learning An integrated qualification system Code of Practice Recruitment and contractual dealings are undertaken in an ethical and responsible manner Information supplied is comprehensive, accurate and up to date Students provided with information prior to entering into any commitments; Particular needs of international students are recognised international students are in safe accommodation.
New Initiatives for Quality Assurance in International Education initiate education diplomacy boost quality provision establish international education scholarships and study awards encourage innovation improve education relationships with key countries and regions boost generic promotion and marketing Student Fee Protection revised student fee protection policy protects the interests of domestic and international students in a course closure event policy change was largely motivated by the collapse of two large private providers in 2003 and the noticeable impact this had on New Zealand s reputation for quality education. government taken a proactive approach to identifying at risk providers and managing the exit of poor quality providers.
Key Issues for the Future Strategic Long-Term Direction Better Information and Research Professional Development particularly focused on quality of teaching Benchmarking Quality Assurance in International Education Quality Assurance Agencies are endeavouring to enhance objectivity and transparency by benchmarking systems Publicising results of evaluation Improved accountability Increased compliance costs Implications for academic freedom
Benchmarking Quality Assurance in International Education sharing of evaluation criteria and indicators among quality assurance agencies In New Zealand this is largely being done on using a bilateral approach International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE) is playing a key role (Regional and International) Conference in New Zealand in April 2005 Cross Cultural Implications for Quality Implications in New Zealand for Wananga (Maori Tertiary Institutions) There is a quality standard should this be audited in the same way against the same standard for all institutions. Can the same standard be adapted/interpreted to apply to different providers operated by different cultures. How does this apply to cross cultures in other countries? World Indigenous Nations of Higher Education Consortium (WINHEC)
Opportunities for Collaboration International collaboration among higher education quality assurance agencies around the world will be indispensable The European region is fostering the establishment of quality assurance arrangements for promoting competitiveness and attractiveness of European Higher Education Bologna Declaration key words are Transparency Equivalency For Further Information Tony Davies Manager Policy/Strategy New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) P O Box 160 Wellington New Zealand E-mail tony.davies@nzqa.govt.nz Phone: 006448023070 Facsimile: 006448023115