TAFENSW – New England InstituteAVETRA 13th April 2012

In a competitive VET market products are identical in “name” but will vary in “quality”

RTOs will have different views about obtaining market share

Some will use the term “quality” as a selling point

What is quality in the User Choice context?

Students have expectations (values) of their learning experience

Teachers and RTOs define the essential components of a quality learning experience in terms of their expectations of students

Are student expectations and values different to the essentials of quality as defined by the RTO?

Who defines quality in a competitive market?

45 survey questions were developed against AQTF standards

Learners and teachers

◦ ranked each attribute

◦ assigned a rank of performance of that attribute

Comparisons between the views of students and teachers were then explored

Attributes Mean Ranking of Importance

Mean Ranking of Performance

Teachers are up to date with industry equipment and methods in training programs and assessment (Q13)

9.1 8.6

TAFE provides a safe learning environment for all learners (Q34)

8.9 8.7

TAFE staff are skilled in designing training programs that industry values (Q4)

8.9 8.4

Teachers can recognise learners with problems and can help them with their learning needs (Q15)

8.9 8.4

TAFE provides the courses that people want (Q35)

8.9 8.4

TAFE provides clear information to learners about the course in which they want to enrol (Q37)

8.9 8.4

Teachers are innovative and they can customise courses to suit the individual needs of learners (Q11)

8.9 8.3

Teachers are experienced and they use modern teaching methods to engage and inspire students (Q10)

8.9 8.2

Attribute Mean Ranking of Importance

Mean Ranking of Performance

TAFE provides a safe learning environment for all learners (Q34)

8.9 8.7

Teachers are up to date with industry equipment and methods in training programs and assessment (Q13)

9.1 8.6

Teachers are respected by local industry for their industry knowledge (Q21)

8.6 8.6

Teachers are able to use modern learning principles such as working in groups to assist learners (Q17)

8.6 8.5

TAFE teachers are recognised for their high standards throughout the community (Q7)

8.7 8.5

TAFE is an effective and efficient organisation that keeps students informed of their progress (Q42)

8.7 7.6 Gap 1.1

TAFE provides regular feedback to learners so that they can gauge their progress and ask for assistance if necessary (Q40)

8.7 7.7 Gap 1.0

Attributes Mean Ranking of Importance

Mean Ranking of Performance

Teachers should be supportive and readily available to assist learners (Q19)

8.8 8.8

TAFE provides a safe learning environment for all learners (Q34)

8.5 8.5

Teachers can recognise learners with problems and can help them with their learning needs (Q15)

8.3 8.3

Teachers are respected by local industry for their industry knowledge (Q21)

8.3 8.3

TAFE provides our learners with sufficient support so that they can complete a course even if they are experiencing difficulties (Q41)

8.3 8.5

Recognition that the notion of quality from a customer perspective is more important than ever

Consideration of the role of teaching staff in the notion of quality

Further research on the notion of quality from an industry perspective