Auckland Uni And ACE Launch Joint Initiative

University Of Auckland And ACE Launch Joint Initiative

The University of Auckland and Auckland College of Education to co-operate

The University of Auckland and the Auckland College of Education today launched the Institute of Education, a joint initiative to build a centre of excellence in educational research and teacher education.

The Vice-Chancellor of The University of Auckland, Dr John Hood, and the Principal of the Auckland College of Education, Dr John Langley, said the development of this Institute would provide leadership and excellence in education in New Zealand.

It also responds to the Tertiary Education Advisory Commission's call for Universities and Colleges of Education to find ways for greater co-operation.

"It will provide for collaboration between both institutions, whilst allowing each to maintain their autonomy and integrity," Dr Hood said.

"The combined strengths of the College, with its long proud history of teacher education coupled with the research strengths of our University will ensure the Institute will be a major influence in teacher education in New Zealand," said Dr Hood. "It will allow for a more strategic and effective use of resources through joint academic programmes and the integration of research networks."

Dr Langley said the Institute would generate a strong profile and voice on educational matters nationally and internationally.

"For students it will mean increased choice and greater diversity of programmes, more flexibility with qualifications, greater opportunity for specialisation and access to a broader range of staff expertise.

"For staff there will be increased opportunities for national and international research in a diversity of fields and a more varied and comprehensive academic, research and teaching profile."

The Institute will offer co-operative academic programmes for initial teacher education qualifications and further post-graduate qualifications.

For 2002 the Institute is offering the concurrent Bachelor of Education/Graduate Diploma in Teaching that enables graduates to teach in both primary and secondary schools. There are also several students enrolled in co-operative Masters of Education programmes.

Future programmes under consideration by the Institute include Graduate Diplomas in Teaching, a Bachelor of Education (Teaching) and conjoint Bachelor of Education (Teaching)/Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science

Staff who teach Institute programmes will remain employed by their respective institutions but will be members of the Institute.

Students enrolled in programmes offered by the Institute might take courses at both the University and the College and be members of the Institute.

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