College of Education academic reform proposal update

A summary of submissions made by staff, students and external stakeholders in relation to the proposals for academic reform of the College of Education was presented to the college board on Friday.

College Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor James Chapman says the submissions were of a high quality and raised many options for change, even among those who were against the proposal. There was a widespread recognition of the need for reform and a relatively even split among those who favoured the proposal to phase-in an offering of solely postgraduate qualifications – 55 per cent were either in favour or neutral, 45 per cent were opposed.

"There is recognition that there is a need for change," Professor Chapman says. "The exact form and extent of that change can now be considered against the backdrop of all the submissions received. I offer my sincere thanks to all those who made submissions. Most came from staff, but there were several from current students and student groups, which displayed a genuine passion for the work we are doing and the importance of teacher education at all levels. There were also a number of external submissions from the education sector and the public. A large majority offered constructive ideas on the shape of possible change."

There was also support for another of the key recommendations in the proposal – establishing an Institute of Education within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences rather than operating as a stand-alone college.

"To survive and flourish, it is my strong view that the College of Education needs to be focused and nimble in the delivery of our courses," Professor Chapman says. "We need to focus our efforts to differentiate ourselves. We need to be able to ensure that we are providing appropriate, relevant and world-leading education in line with Massey's Road to 2020 strategy."

The consolidated submissions paper will now be forwarded to the Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International) Professor Ingrid Day to consider as part of Massey’s overall academic reform process. Professor Day and her team will take on board the feedback and further recommendations will then be made to the University and College. Any proposals for change will not be made until early 2012.