Learning Centre Practice in Aotearoa/New Zealand

Abstract

In 2003 and 2004 ATLAANZ members developed a draft professional practice document that describes some of the principles, knowledge and roles that underpin our work as learning advisors. At the 2007 conference we proposed building on that work by gathering information onthe diverse range of practice in the work of learning advisors and on the changes and challenges centres had faced in recent years. This data would, we hoped, assist learning advisors to reflecton the provision of learning development in New Zealand institutions and provide baseline data that would assist future research into effective practice and comparison with practice in Australia and the United Kingdom.Questionnaires were sent to learning centres at 31 universities, polytechnics and private training establishments in Aotearoa/New Zealand. We sought information about job titles, institutional settings, funding, staffing, the users, and the ways in which users’ needs are catered for.In the conference workshop we presented some initial findings, facilitated discussion on those findings, and sought feedback from participants on future research directions. This report describes the project and summarises the key discussion points from the workshop.