Key evaluation questions (KEQs) and tertiary evaluation indicators are the main tools we use in external evaluation and review (EER).
Along with performance criteria, these tools are used to reach judgements about educational performance and capability in self-assessment.
Providers can use KEQs and tertiary evaluation indicators to help in their self-assessment practice.
More information
“It makes you look at yourself and be honest and see what you can do to improve… I like that it focuses on the learner and the delivery of programmes and what the learner is getting out of the programme.”
Key evaluation questions
Outcome questions
Outcome questions focus on the value of the outcomes achieved in tertiary education.
1. How well do students achieve?
Possible sources of evidence include:
- student achievement data (retentions, completions and so on)
- destination data
- feedback from students, staff and other interested communities or individuals
- outcome information.
2. What is the value of the outcomes for key stakeholders, including students?
Possible sources of evidence include:
- analysis of stakeholders feedback and graduate data
- graduate satisfaction feedback
- outcome information
- employment data
- destination data
- analysis of sector benchmarking information.
Process questions
Process questions focus on the quality and value of the key contributing processes in tertiary education.
3. How well do programme design and delivery, including learning and assessment activities, match the needs of students and other relevant stakeholders?
Possible sources of evidence include:
- results of analysis of stakeholder feedback
- entry requirements for course and programmes
- employer feedback on graduates
- feedback from graduates in employment
- student achievement information (trends over time).
4. How effectively are students supported and involved in their learning?
Possible sources of evidence include:
- student feedback on teaching
- results of peer observation of teaching
- feedback from stakeholders
- interviews with staff and students
- teaching and learning plans.
5. How effective are governance and management in supporting educational achievement?
Possible sources of evidence include:
- student feedback on learning environment
- feedback on student support services
- analysis of information on non-completion rates (attrition)
- student destination data
- student and staff opinion.
6. How effectively are important compliance accountabilities managed?
Possible sources of evidence include:
- reports, minutes and records of the activities of the governance body
- records and reports of consultation, for example, with whānau, communities, employers and business
- strategic and business plans with evidence of the approach to meeting identified needs and aspirations.
KEQs provide a common platform
The KEQs are designed to explore the most important dimensions of educational quality: programme content and design, and delivery and outcomes.
They provide a common platform for the external evaluation and review of tertiary providers, regardless of their size or the type of programmes they offer.
These high-level, open-ended questions focus on either the outcomes achieved or the key processes contributing to the outcomes.
You may find the KEQs and the tertiary evaluation indicators useful for self-assessment. They can create a strong link between your self-assessment and external evaluation and review.
By using the same tools, providers and evaluators can engage in conversations using common definitions and understandings.
However, you will also need to use your own questions or indicators for self-assessment activities, to reflect features unique to your organisation.