EIT Hawke’s Bay scores well in an independent external evaluation of its education provision.
ITP Quality, delegated by NZQA to undertake quality assessments in the ITP (Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics) sector, says it is “highly confident” in EIT’s educational performance.
It also expressed confidence in EIT’s capability to self-assess and incorporate improvements in programme design and teaching practice.
The four-yearly review covered 10 focus areas. In mandatory areas of evaluation – the support of international students and governance and management – EIT rated excellent.
EIT provided a range of programmes from foundation to postgraduate level, and there was strong student achievement overall – in terms of retention, completion of programmes and work readiness.
Programmes were “highly valued by students and industry and the wider community”, and were developed with the needs of industry and businesses firmly in mind.
Highly effective teaching was provided by a competent staff that generally had industry or business experience.
“Students are well supported in their learning, and staff are actively involved in professional development and have the opportunity to undertake research.”
The review said EIT’s executive fostered a collaborative approach in managing strategic educational initiatives, using project management methodologies that were highly inclusive of staff at all levels of the organisation.
Self-assessment was undertaken well in many areas at EIT, and results of this were incorporated into improvements in programme design and teaching practice.
Management had a high-level focus on achievement and set internal benchmarks based on completions.
Of the report, academic and student services director Jo Blakeley said: “EIT is delighted to receive the positive acknowledgement of our high quality education practice. Achieving this level of external quality assurance reflects the strong commitment that EIT has to its students, staff, and to our community of employers and advisory members.
The full report is available via the link www.itpz.ac.nz