NZIST - summary document - extension of feedback date to 15th July

Attended a zoom meeting(hui) or zui convened by the TEU on Friday (there was another zui on Monday) to gather members feedback on the proposals. The zui was facilitated by TEU National Secretary, Dr. Sandra Grey. Another zui was held on Monday as well.

The overall purpose of the zui was to gather feedback from members on the proposed direction and work streams for the NZIST. A summary of all the workstreams is found here.

Sandra provided a broad overview as several participants had not had time to read the reports yet.

Many other institutions have not been informed by their management about the reports and the opportunities for feedback. 

Discussions were made on the various issues the TEU will be submitting on. The original feedback date of 15th June was seen to be unrealistic, given that many TEU members were still working from home and communication channels in some institutions still centred around the logistical and management of covid-19 related issues. On Monday, the NZIST proposed an extension of feedback to 15th July.

Two items of interest to my work. One, a call for the formation of some form of vocational education 'pedagogical focus' unit as the scholarship of teaching and learning within VET in NZ has been patchy, fragmented and lacked strategic direction. Innovation (or even the study of present approaches) requires work to uncover the approaches working best for the NZ VET context.

Secondly, the proposal to ensure all actions are aligned with the NZIST charter. This should inform all actvity undertaken by NZIST and the present set of working documents require study to ensure there is connection between the proposed workstreams and the intend of the legislation underpinning the new institute.

All in, interesting times ahead as the various councils and academic board/committees find their feet and the new CE takes up his role in July and the HQ in Hamilton is set up.