Growing capability in evidence-based self-evaluation

Over the last month the Te Korowai Kahurangi team have been running workshops, Āta-kōrero – Evaluative conversations, to help grow capability in evidence-based self-evaluation – an important skill for completing our annual Programme Evaluation and Planning (PEPs).

Led by Rosemary Dewerse – Academic Quality and Capability Partner and Jackie Tims – Lead, Programme Development and Management,  the sessions focused on productive and insightful discussion; exploring and reflecting on our Programmes, what’s working well and how we can evidence these insights, as well as what’s not working and how we’re addressing this.

The response from the 157 teaching staff (across nine Schools) who have participated, has been really positive – Engaging, practical and informative – is just some of the feedback.

Te Korowai Kahurangi also had a great response from 90 Heads of School and Academic Leaders. They attended an earlier ‘scene-setting’ introduction to the concept of Āta-kōrero, applied to programme evaluation. Co-led with our Kaihautū – TeUrikore Biddle, Curtis Barlow, Toni Rewiri and Veraneeca Taiepa, this session helped shape the final model.

As the kaitiaki of academic quality Te Korowai Kahurangi are committed to improving our evaluative capability. These workshops are a reflection of feedback which included requests for better support for our Academic Leaders who are responsible for Programme Evaluation and Planning, and the need to improve the evaluative quality of these reports – as highlighted in the EER report.

Bringing Programme teams together to celebrate good stories and collaboratively explore and evaluate the impact of our Programme outcomes, will make a difference to our students. This also has a positive impact on our teachers, and our partnerships with communities and industries in the years ahead. Sound evaluation empowers plans for continuing improvement, and more
positive outcomes.

Along with the positive feedback to the Āta-kōrero concept, also appreciated has been the constructive suggestions received for improvement, including in data documentation, timing of evaluative reporting, and up-skilling in reflective practice and writing.

…Something good has begun.

If you would like to find out more, contact Rosemary Dewerse xtn 7288 or Jackie Tims xtn 8059.

A way forward… Āta-kōrero

A Te Ao Māori framework, first conceptualised by Taina Whakaatere Pohatu (Ngāti Porou, Rongowhakaata, Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki, Ngai Tamanuhiri, Ngati Kahungunu), has provided the basis for these workshops and our way forward.

Āta means to pay careful, deliberate and reflective attention in order to empower intention, mindful of the people and relationships we impact and who impact upon us. Added to a verb it lends this weight to it. The Reo and Tikanga Committee, kaitikai of mātauranga Māori, have agreed to it being applied to evaluative conversations. Thus: Āta-kōrero.

Embued with the principles of Te Noho Kotahitanga, the process you can see in the image invites us to put people at its heart.

The goal is that Āta-kōrero become integral to life at Unitec, informing improvement across the institution.