Quality assurance of ITPs
External evaluation and review
The tertiary education sector has moved to an evaluative model of quality assurance. This changes the focus of quality from a traditional audit approach (inputs and processes), to an evaluative approach focussed on the valued outcomes of tertiary education.
Under this system all institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs) are required to engage in ongoing self-assessment. NZQA undertakes a process of periodic external evaluation and review (EER). The results of ITP's self-assessment practices are used to inform the EER process.
Self-assessment
Self-assessment includes the ongoing processes an ITP uses to understand and gain evidence of its own effectiveness in providing quality education.
Self-assessment activities are organisation-wide and should actively involve governors, managers, teaching staff and support staff.
Effective self-assessment is embedded into everyday activities to inform decision-making and bring about relevant and worthwhile improvements that impact on the organisation as a whole.
More information about self-assessment.
External evaluation and review
Through EER, ITPs are held accountable to their students, employers, funders, quality assurance body and other interested parties. The external evaluation and review process also provides information to support improvement across the tertiary education sector.
An evaluation and review team uses evaluation processes and tools to reach reliable and valid judgements about the ITP's educational performance and capability in self-assessment.
Educational performance relates to the way in which the educational outcomes achieved by the ITP represent quality and value for learners and the wider community. An evaluation of educational performance involves answering questions focussed primarily on the quality of learning and teaching, and the achievements of learners.
Capability in self-assessment indicates how effectively an ITP uses self-assessment information to understand performance and bring about improvements.
External evaluation and review schedule 2012
Below is the schedule for the external evaluation and review of ITPs in 2012.
| Institute of technology and polytechnic | Date of EER |
| Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology | 30 April-4 May |
| Western Institute of Technology | 21-25 May |
| Northland Polytechnic | 11-15 June |
| Southern Institute of Technology | 16-20 July |
| Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology | 29 October-2 November |