New Zealand Tertiary Education Strategy Calls for Greater Work-Based Learning Opportunities
A paper presented by New Zealand to the recent APEC Science Ministers' Meeting calls for greater work-based learning opportunities for students as part of a series of suggestions to make education more relevant to today's economic challenges. The paper, "How Can a Tertiary Education Strategy Drive Economic Growth?" has now been posted on the APEC Website (www.apec.org)
The paper proposes "thinking shifts" be considered by regional educators and governments that encourage universities to engage proactively in encouraging linkages with the private sector to embrace innovation.
Presented to APEC's 21 Member Economies during the 4th APEC Ministers' Meeting on Regional Science and Technology Cooperation in Christchurch, the paper makes suggestions to address the link between tertiary education and economic growth as it relates to increasing demands of the modern global economy.
"The strategic issues (in the paper) explore some of the challenges and thinking shifts required to shape the organisation of tertiary education to cater for the needs of individuals and countries in the context of an increasingly global and technological environment."
The paper also notes the importance of well planned and innovative education strategies for the economic and social health.
"Education systems have a critical role to play in ensuring that individuals are able to achieve through participation in lifelong learning but also in contributing to overall economic and social performance through research and innovation capability.
The paper covers three key strategic issues:
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The alignment of educational organisations priorities to national goals and outcomes;
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Improving pathways for all learners, including an increased focus on pathways for disadvantaged learners; and
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Stronger focus on quality enhancement and quality assurance arrangements to support better learning outcomes.
The paper also calls for analysis of the goals of individual tertiary organisations and how these fit with the needs of the economy and society.
Issues raised in the paper are expected to receive attention at the next Ministerial Meeting on the APEC Agenda, the APEC Education Ministers' Meeting in Santiago, Chile, on April 29-30.