11 April 2011
Press Release: Manukau Institute of Technology
Manukau Institute of Technology’s (MIT) National Symposium, “Developing Pathways: Leading Students to Success” in July 2011 will invite educators and policy-makers to engage in conversation surrounding secondary/post-secondary transitions, receive an overview of what is already underway in New Zealand and enable participants to share responses to these over the two days.
MIT’s Centre for Studies in Multiple Pathways Director, Dr Stuart Middleton, believes it is imperative to examine innovative pathways to increase student engagement, retention in education and ultimately improve their preparation for a rapidly changing workplace. In New Zealand 20% of our 16 year olds and many more 17-24 year olds are not in education, employment or training.
Dr Stuart Middleton commented, "There is a lot happening in New Zealand to create new pathways from secondary school into post-secondary courses and qualifications. The symposium is an ideal opportunity for people to get an accurate picture of what is happening, who is doing what, and a chance to listen to and speak with those who are trying to work in different ways.
The Manukau Institute of Technology Tertiary High School was an early programme to provide a new pathway for students to get tertiary qualifications. The symposium, to be held at the Tertiary High School in Otara, Auckland, will explore this and other developments such as Trades Academies, Service Academies and other developments."
Taking place over two days, Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th July, it will be the first ever national symposium on the creation of individual and flexible learning pathways for students and will include many keynote speakers including Dr Stuart Middleton.
The discussions will be ongoing through the Centre for Studies in Multiple Pathways and hopes to contribute toward the sharing of knowledge and expertise between educators and to work alongside others to achieve the ultimate goal of keeping more students better engaged in education and in doing so provide them with a more positive and productive future.
The symposium is an ideal opportunity for those committed to change and to learn from the experiences of others.