CIMAP Assessment Talk May 2012

The
Chartered
Institute for
the
Management
of
Assessment
Practice
(CIMAP)
Advancing industry
excellence in assessment
practice!

Board Members:

Chairperson:
D.E Damons MSc; (FCIEA U.K)
Vice-Chairperson:
Prof. M. Mehl,

Prof. W. Goosen, (FCIEA U.K);
Mr. T. Tshabalala;
Dr. W. Guest-Mouton;
Mrs. T. Moeshoeshoe
Dr. M. Serfontein, (FCIEA U.K);
Mr. P. Mathebula, (MA)
Dr. K. Deller;
Mrs. R. Pillay (M.Ed.);
Dr. L. Meyer, (FCIEA U.K);
Mrs. A. Roode B.Com. (Hons)

Assessment Talk...
16 Republic Road, Bordeaux,
Randburg, 2125.

Tel: (011) 329-9000 –
extension: 9034

Fax 086 218 4466,

Web site: www.cimap.co.za,

Chartered Institute for the Management of
E-mail admin@cimap.co.za

Assessment Practice

Issue 5 – May 2012
Extraordinary services for the promotion of quality in assessment practices.

CIMAP Core Values: - Integrity, Credibility & Discipline © 2012 www.cimap.co.za 1

How can this be changed? While everybody can read
MESSAGE FROM WHAT HOPE FOR OUR EDUCATION the research, some of the ideas we all hold about
THE VICE- SYSTEM? talent, intelligence, genetic endowment and
CHAIRPERSON: creativity of individuals are so deeply entrenched,
PROF M C MEHL Article by Professor M. Mehl - CIMAP Vice Chair that mere reading is unlikely to change it.

The statistics are dismal. In January 2000, around 1.2 We all have the experience of schooling with its
million children enrolled in Grade 1 full of hope of a inherent intellectual hierarchy that firmly embeds the
Dear Members, idea that “some (few) have it but many do not”. It is
bright future. 12 years later in 2011, some 50 % of them
only write the matriculation examination. surprising how many people carry this measure of
It is hard to imagine that almost 17 years have passed “relative cleverness” with them through their life.
since SAQA came into existence at the dawn of
Around 50% of those who write do mathematics, not
democracy in the country. The SETA concept was Very few people regard themselves as capable of
mathematics literacy – generally regarded as a dead-
promulgated in 1998, making it almost 14 years old. genius in any field. If this process can be initiated in
end subject. Of those who write mathematics, around
30% only achieve more than 40% of the marks while just areas in which the individual has always struggled,
While this is young in educational terms with then the enabling process will have begun.
12% of them get more than 50% - around 36000 in all.
universities boasting centuries-old existence and
So, of the 1.2 million who started 12 years ago, just 3%
formal schooling well into its second century, We have a unique opportunity in South Africa to do
of them pass mathematics with more than 50% of the
nevertheless much was expected from these bodies as this on a national scale. The advent of CIMAP is an
final mark.
part of the ambitious transformation agenda South important contributor to the effort at re-
Africa set itself. conceptualization and renewal of our prevailing
That this is a disaster is obvious. Its impact plays out
further up the line when we compare the number of system of education.
And if we are fair we will acknowledge that in certain
engineers our universities produce in comparison, per
areas there has been progress. A large number of new The centrality of dynamic assessment, carried out
capita to a country like India, or indeed any of the
qualifications now exist on the SAQA database. within a framework of intensive, sustained and
rapidly emerging economies.
knowledgeable endeavour focused on improving not
Workplace learning has started coming more to the only the capabilities of the individual, but of the
While we need not lionize mathematics, it is a good gold
fore, especially with the operationalization of the nation as a whole, should not be under-estimated.
standard for some measure of quality in education
QCTO.
provision. In addition, in truth we seem to constantly be
going in the opposite direction. The pass mark at school Professor M. C. Mehl
Assessment and Moderation are now a part of the
level is now 30%. Imagine that!
educational vocabulary in the country in a way it was
never before. It is no accident that among the very
A learner can be blissfully incompetent in 70% of a About Prof. Merlyn Claude Mehl Ph.D.
first unit standards developed by SAQA were those for
subject and can still be deemed competent enough to (Physics):
accrediting assessors.
“Pass”. I notice in a recent copy of the QCTO Newsletter
that the issue of Fundamental learning – mathematics CIMAP is extremely grateful to our Vice Chair,
In addition, of course, the SETAs at establishment
and communication – in SAQA qualifications (as Professor Merlyn Mehl for the time and effort he
vigorously pursued these areas even before they had
minimalist as these were in the first place) has been commits to the professionalisation of the ETDP
qualifications to assess!
“refined” and a part qualification – “Foundational sector. As the previous SAQA NSB chairperson, and
Learning Competency” – is now interposed. board member and Chairperson of W&R SETA in its
But truth be told, the education scene in South Africa is
extremely depressing. I think that all involved in those earlier years, as well as his involvement over many
Why do we always keep lowering the bar instead of years with local and overseas universities, Prof Mehl
early days underestimated the difficulty of changing
raising it and developing the methodologies that is a true stalwart of excellence in educational.
the formal system with all its historical baggage.
enable?
School and university practice change only very slowly Prof Mehl is currently the the Executive Chairman of
The irony of the situation in South Africa is that we are Triple L Holdings. Prof. Mehl served as Chancellor of
if at all. Unintended consequences of dramatic policy
now better equipped than at any time in our history to Peninsula Technikon and Chief Executive of the
change are very difficult to foresee. If we are honest,
bring about dramatic improvements in the situation. Independent Development Trust. He was a senior
we will admit that we have simply not created an
We have in place a government that spends an professor at UWC, and has been awarded
education system of unqualified excellence where high
inordinate amount of its budget on education. extraordinary professor status.
standards are not only required but expected of all
Additionally it has signalled very clearly that education is
learners.
a major priority of government. Prof Mehl has served as a non-executive director of
The original purpose of SAQA – an educational system Capitec Bank since its inception in 2001. He is
From the didactic side is the fact that we now know currently the Lead Independent Director on the
with seamless transition between and across both,
more about how the brain works and how proficiency Board.
levels as well as learning institutions, formal and non-
and competence develops in any area of human
formal has simply not been realized. Therefore, aluta
endeavour, than at any time in human history. In the Prof Mehl served as the Director of Gold Fields
continua.
last 20 years, we have learnt 95% of what we today Science & Mathematics Centre between 1983 – 1987,
know of the human brain. and has held a number of other prestigious positions
Because Assessors and Moderators ensure quality in a
system, the formation of CIMAP is a very welcome step in the private and public sectors.
Recent books on the subject propose a very seductive
as we continue to drive toward excellence defined by
message: every human is born with unimaginable ability Awards
the adherence to high standards. It is time that these
and capacity. We are capable of achieving anything we
central figures in the S.A. Educational landscape enjoy
want if we go about it properly.  University of South Carolina / Visiting Professor
the professional stature they deserve.
 University Illinois / Fellowship
This does not mean that the opportunity to achieve is
May it prove to be the home where assessment theory  University of Washington / Senior Africa Research
the same for everybody – obviously it is not – but rather
and practice can enjoy the stature it deserves. Fellowship
that we are all born with stupendous potential. Some
titles that illustrate this by drawing on recent research  University of London/ Visiting Fellow
include:  Da Vinci Institute / Research Supervisor
Professor Merlyn Mehl
 The genius in all of us: David Shenk Tertiary Education
 The Talent Code: Daniel Coyle
 Talent is Overrated Geoff Colvin  Doctor of Philosophy (UCT)
 Outliers Malcolm Gladwell  Master of Science – Nuclear Physics (UNISA)
 The Myth of Ability John Mighton

to indicate but a few. We cannot solve our problems with the same
thinking we used when we created them.
Please view Professor Merlyn Mehl’s discussion The challenge, of course, is to translate this research
Albert Einstein
on common misconceptions about IQ and IQ into reality in the lives of every individual. Few people
get anywhere near to realizing this potential and, in fact,
assessments.
the majority of people in all likelihood, do not even
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoqJNRS1oa4
believe it!


FOCUS ON THE QCTO: The current verification / external moderation What is an Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)?
processes applied by SETAs are diverse in nature. Some An AQP is an entity appointed by the QCTO and
WHERETO FROM HERE? providers that failed to comply with quality standards delegated to manage, on behalf of the QCTO, the
often create tremendous hysteria around the verifier / assessment process. An AQP is responsible for
external moderator being unfair. The true merit of developing, maintaining and implementing external
Article by Dr L. Meyer - CIMAP Board Member adhering quality standards then becomes secondary. assessments.

The Quality Council on Trades and Occupations (QCTO) is Similarly, verifiers / external moderators that have no An AQP coordinates and manages external assessment
one of the three Quality Councils stipulated in the industry experience or qualifications apply arbitrary processes. An AQP develops and maintains a national
National Qualifications Framework Act (NQF Act No 67 of criterion, which is not based in law, regulation, databank of instruments used in the external
2008).The QCTO is accountable for standards setting and substance or fact. Professional bodies will logically use assessment. An AQP maintains a register of assessors
qualified and competent practitioners in their and moderators from which assessors and moderators
quality assurance of occupational qualifications for the
industries, and address unacceptable quality for the external summative assessment are selected.
Trades and Occupations sub framework. The QCTO standards.
recommends qualifications for registration on the South An AQP recommends to the QCTO the accreditation of
African National Qualifications Framework. The QCTO success is fundamental to redress and skills development providers for the knowledge and or
transformation opportunities. Strategic Leadership and practical skills components. An AQP recommends to
The Minister of Higher Education and Training, in the QCTO the certification of learners.
skilled incumbents are key to the emergence of third
consultation with the Minister of Basic Education, has tier evolution structure. Quality education will support
determined government's strategy and priorities for the What are the rules of combination for occupational
employment prospects of industry credible graduates. qualifications?
NQF as required by NQF Act (No. 67 of 2008) for the
period up to 31 March 2012. A minimum of 20% credits are required for each of the
QCTO Curriculum and Assessment Policy may be three components (Knowledge, practical skills, and
The main purpose of the guidelines is to give direction to downloaded using the following link: work experience). This means that the remainder of
the work of the South African Qualifications Authority http://www.saqa.org.za/docs/qcto/policy/curriculu 40% of the credits can be added to any component to
(SAQA) and the three Quality Councils (QCs): the Quality m.pdf support the purpose of the qualification.
Council on Trades and Occupations (QCTO), Umalusi and
the Council on Higher Education (CHE). CIMAP fully supports the QCTO, and looks forward to What are the types of occupational qualifications that
the valuable contribution it will bring to the can be developed?
The NQF guidelines are available by using the following occupational learning and teaching landscape. The QCTO has two types of occupational qualifications,
link: these are:
http://www.saqa.org.za/docs/guidelines/nqf.pdf
National Occupational Qualifications: 120+ Credits
SAQA QCTO - FAQ
The QCTO caused great excitement in its conceptual National Occupational Awards: 25-119 Credits
stage. This was as a direct result of private providers SAQA Frequently Asked Questions about the QCTO are
Acronyms used in the QCTO environment
believing that the cumbersome SETA ETQA processes available using the following link:
AQP Assessment Quality Partner
would be standardised and equitable. http://www.saqa.org.za/show.asp?include=docs/qct
o/faqs.html CEP Community of Expert Practitioner
CESM Classification of Education Subject Matter
Things are however about to change. Providers are still What is the QCTO? CHE Council for Higher Education
faced with cumbersome and frustrating processes from QCTO stands for Quality Council for Trades and DHET Department of Higher Education & Training
some ETQAs. The exceptions obviously exist, and more Occupations. The QCTO is one of the three Quality DQP Development Quality Partner
often than not getting hold of the right person is often Councils, each responsible for a qualifications sub FLC Foundational Learning Competence
the difference between success and dismal failure. In framework on the National Qualifications Framework.
GFETQF General and Further Education and Training
support of this assertion, the appointment of qualified CHE and Umalusi are the other two. The sub
framework that the QCTO is responsible for is the Qualifications sub-Framework
and competent individuals must drive the process to HEQF Higher Education Qualifications sub-
Trades and Occupations sub framework.
fruition. Framework
What is an occupational qualification? ILO International Labour Organisation
Transparency, absent bureaucracy and policy certain is An occupational qualification is defined in the law as a ISCO International Standard Classification of
pivotal to streamline learner punitive processes. The qualification associated with a trade, occupation or
Occupations
SAQA Act, 1995 and the subsequent NQF Act, 2008 has profession resulting from work-based learning and
MIS Management Information System
consisting of three components, one for knowledge,
proposed coherency. SAQA has established the NQF NAMB National Artisan Moderation Body
one for practical skills and one for work experience. All
forum that is set up to lead this process in collaboration occupational qualifications require a final test or what NOPF National Occupational Pathway Framework
with the QCs. is called 'an external, summative assessment' which, NQF National Qualifications Framework
when successfully passed, signals to the world that the OFO Organising Framework for Occupations
The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Act No 67, person is able to fully perform the work of the OFL Occupational Foundational Learning
2008 replaced the South African Qualifications Authority occupation.
OQF Occupational Qualifications sub-Framework
Act No 58 of 1995. Guidelines have been prepared in QC Quality Council
What process do I follow to initiate a process of
term in terms of the NQF Act (No. 67 of 2008) for the QCTO Quality Council for Trades and Occupations
developing an occupational qualification?
period up to and including 31 March 2012. The process of occupational qualification development QDF Qualifications Development Facilitator
begins when a person or an organisation (the QMS Quality Management System
The NQF Act now been expanded to 10 NQF levels. The applicant) submits a request to the QCTO for an RPL Recognition of Prior Learning
three quality councils are– Umalusi, Quality Council on Occupational Qualification to be developed. This can SAQA South African Qualifications Authority
Trades and Occupations (QCTO), and the Council on be in a letter, an e-mail or even a phone call. All are
SASCO South African Standard Classification of
Higher Education (CHE). welcome to submit a request. The QCTO may be
contacted at info@qcto.org.za The QCTO will advise Occupations
and guide the applicant on the process to be followed. SDA Skills Development Act
The QCTO has announced that they will be operational by SETA Sector Education and Training Authority
20 July 2011. The QCTO is delegating functions to the What is the QCTO's responsibility? SLA Service Level Agreement
first generation of 'official' Development Quality The QCTO is responsible for standards setting and
Partners. (QCTO; 2012). quality assurance of occupational qualifications on the
Please visit the SAQA website for additional
Trades and Occupations sub framework. QCTO
recommends to SAQA, qualifications for registration on information on the QCTO.
The QCTO is currently supported by SAQA in their
the NQF.
operations. The QCTO Guidelines on Strategy and QCTO contact details:
Priorities for the National Qualifications Framework What is a Development Quality Partner (DQP)? E-mail: info@qcto.org.za
(NQF), 2011/12 is available on the SAQA web site and A DQP is an entity appointed by the QCTO and Post: Postnet Suite 248, Private Bag X 06, Waterkloof,
makes for interesting reading. Please visit: delegated to manage, on behalf of the QCTO, the 0145
http://www.saqa.org.za/docs/guidelines/nqf.pdf process of developing an Occupational Qualification. Fax: 012 431 5144
The QCTO has developed processes that will ensure as SAQA House, Room 513, 5th floor, 1067 Arcadia St,
The QCTO focus on credible quality partners brings far as possible that its Quality Partners have the Hatfield, Pretoria.
particular hope. Without Industry being actively involved capacity to perform their assigned tasks to the highest
in the architecture of skill planning for their sectors, little quality standards, which include integrity, For additional information also visit:
hope exists that industry will create uptake opportunities transparency and fitness for purpose. http://www.nqf.org.za/page/faq/qcto/index
for graduates.


Registered DHET FET I conclude with an argument: I have married a dentist,
the Health Professional Council of South Africa does
 Practitioner Assessor - 1-3 years' experience in
educational assessment, and must have achieved a
Provider Forum
not send a verifier to verify whether he is able to do a National Diploma (NQF 5) (PCIMAP);
“ filling, he is trained and qualified to do that.
 Fellow Assessor - Fellowship is available to the
On the contrary, I am a Doctor in Adult Education, I most experienced and expert practitioners in
PRIVATE PROVIDERS: have more than twenty years result orientated educational assessment (at least 5 years) and a
THE FLIP SIDE OF THE COIN! operational experience, yet, a lot of my time is being NQF 6 level qualification (FCIMAP).
taken up by (unnecessary) verifications by often less  Chartered Assessor (CCIMAP). Master’s degree
Article by Dr. Wilma Guest Mouton experienced and less qualified people. and five years of educational assessment
CIMAP Board member & FET Provider Forum experience.
The South African government needs to embrace and
Convener  Master Assessor (MCIMAP). Doctoral degree and
acknowledge the expert and committed citizens and
give credit where credit is deserved, even if it is a extensive assessment and moderation experience.
It is interesting to read and hear what is being said about
private.
private providers and their greed… All members in good standing that seek to register
LIST or DHET registered FET & HET Providers s with the Chartered Institute for Educational
When I was asked the other day what was our “claim to available in the CIMAP web site. Assessment (U.K) will be in a position to do so from 01
fame” as a successful private provider for nearly sixteen June 2012 at CIMAP negotiate discounted rates for all
membership grades. Please note that CIEA Training
years, and heading a private Further Education and
will be conducted in South Africa. Certain membership
Training College (FET), my immediate answer was “we grades will require CDP training at negotiated rates.
have survived the system”. MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION PROCESS
EXPLAINED: The training will be conducted in South Africa.
What a challenging system to survive, if your primarily Members that seek to attend the training in the U.K
objective is to “create a competent empowered How do I join CIMAP? will be in a position to do so if sufficient delegates
from South Africa are available at normal U.K rates.
workforce”.
 You will have received the membership application The South African CPD Activities will be
communicated shortly.
Private providers are, to my knowledge and firsthand form with your newsletter. Please complete it
experience, not funded in anyway. providing us with as much detail as possible and
Private providers need to adhere to the quality make sure you initial each page of the Code of
requirements of all the different Education and Training Conduct.
 In addition, please provide the following in support
LABOUR RELATIONS AMENDMENT
Quality Assurance Bodies (should they want to offer full
qualifications or subject matter unit standards). of your application: BILL, 2012
 A certified copy of your ID
The following are, in summary, some of the major
Year after year when SETAS published their annual  Certified copies of certificates of your qualifications
areas of amendment in the LRA Bill.
reports, figures and numbers of successes are published,  An abbreviated CV (resume).
but very little has been said about the positive role and  If you are a constituent assessor proof of Labour broking
impact of the private providers. registration from the relevant SETA. The Labour Relations Amendment Bill retains section
 Please e-mail your application to 198 and it will continue to apply to all employees.
admin@cimap.co.za. Temporary employment is limited to genuine
It is true that some private providers did cash in on the
 A pro-forma invoice will be raised and sent to you temporary work that does not exceed six months. A
system, but that was, according to me, primarily because temporary employment service is the employer of
of poor management structures and funding windows for payment.
persons whom it pays to work for a client and the
that were not properly thought through.  Once your application has been processed, you will temporary employment service and its client are
qualify as an Affiliate Member. jointly and severally liable for specified contraventions
Examples of this might be short courses that were paid at  Members in good standing may apply for elevated of employment laws.
for per person per day, these funds were made available designations on the CIMAP website.
 Members will receive their membership certificate Regulating contract work
to non-accredited providers as well and poor quality
An employee may be employed on a fixed term
checks were done. and you will be added to the mailing list to receive
contract for longer than six months only if the work is
the regular updates and correspondence. of limited duration or the employer can demonstrate
If service delivery of education and training programmes a justifiable reason for fixing the term of the contract.
The membership application form is also available
is your sole income and you depend on SETA funding, it is The provisions relating to fixed term contracts do not
from our website at www.cimap.co.za or can be sent
just about impossible to survive. The reasons for that apply to an employer who employs less than 10
to you if you e-mail admin@cimap.co.za.
employees, nor does it apply to an employer who
include:
employs less than 50 employees and whose business
Please contact us if we can be of assistance.
has been in operation for less than two years..
 The long and difficult process of tendering and
allocation; SAQA Professional Bodies Update Commission for Conciliation Mediation and
 The fact that providers need to carry the cost for The SAQA Board confirmed its appreciation to Arbitration (CCMA)
recruitment and selection; professional bodies that formed part of the pilot The bill proposes a range of amendments to the
 First tranche payments are often only made to group. The final policy and criteria will be tabled at the provisions that deal with the operations of the CCMA.
Board meeting in June 2012. The exclusion of high-income earners from bringing
providers 25% into a Learnership (which is very
unfair dismissal claims to the CCMA is confirmed.
problematic especially because providers need to
carry the cost of delivery)-to my knowledge the only Strikes and lockouts
system in the country where it is not been paid for CIMAP Membership Grades The amendments intend to respond to unacceptable
education before it starts; levels of unprotected industrial action and unlawful
Please note that all members in good standing that acts in support of industrial action, including violence
 The fact that providers receive only payments as
have received their membership certificates are now and intimidation.
long as learners are deemed competent; able to use the following acronyms behind their
 The average of R 15 000.00 been paid to the provider names. All affiliate members may indicate their status Organisational rights and collective bargaining
for competent learners versus the R 25 000.00 tax as follows: Ms. K. Kumalo (ACIMAP). A few amendments are introduced to change the
rebate to business. circumstances under which a Commissioner of the
Membership upgrades must be done online and are CCMA may grant organizational rights where trade
If we feel strong about growing the economy and growing subject to professional requirements as attached - unions refer disputes relating to these rights.
our country we need to pay attention to the important www.cimap.co.za
role of private providers. A Commissioner may consider the composition of the
Professional Designation Application: workforce, including the extent to which employees
 Student Member - Open to anyone with an interest are engaged in non-standard working arrangements
It is also important to utilise providers according to
in assessment. Affiliate Assessor (No status within 30 days.
qualifications and experience Total Quality Management
awarded);
(TQM) does not mean to be over verified, sometimes by http://www.labour.gov.za/media-desk/media-
 Affiliate Membership - is open to anyone with an
inexperienced, but qualified verifiers, with Educational interest in assessment, and confirmation of statements/2012/media-briefing-by-minister-of-
Qualifications that does not even come close to the ones achievement of the national assessor standard and labour-on-the-bills-amending-the-labour-relations-
of the person at the institute being verified. is registered with at least one ETQA - (ACIMAP); act-and-the-basic-conditions-of-employment-act


Skills Universe published the following interesting These problems are not unique to our country, but they Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines and the Republic of
article on the proposed Green Paper are considerably more acute here than elsewhere. Korea are over 70% private. Malaysia is around 50%.

Although government will, and must, remain the pre- It is also worth noting that organised labour,
DHET'S GREEN PAPER NEEDS A eminent financier and provider of education as part of business and government are joint signatories to the
BROADER VISION – its mandate, there is consensus that the education and National Skills Development Strategy, National Skills
training system “is inadequate in quantity, diversity and Accord and Human Resource Development Strategy
By Prof. Hoosen Rasool - MANCOSA in many, but not all instances, quality.” for South Private higher education enrolment rates
hover between 20% and 60% in most countries in
Put differently, the system is simply unresponsive to Latin America, whilst, Eastern and Central Europe
The recently released Green Paper for Post-School
the needs of the economy and society – poor learning have also increased enrolments rates vastly from a
Education and Training, currently in the public
outcomes, huge inequalities, skills mismatches, lack of zero base in the early 1990s. This trend is set to
comments stage, signals a radical response to transform
accessibility, funding inefficiencies, high repetition and continue well into the future.
the post-school education and training (PSET) system. It
dropout rates and management capacity constraints.
is arguably a hyper-ambitious document, issued by the
These problems are not unique to our country, but they The engagement of the public sector with private
Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), to
are considerably more acute here than elsewhere. providers should rather be seen as a continuum
reconfigure the PSET architecture, advance knowledge
instead of a dichotomy. Surprisingly our government
creation and innovation, reduce poverty and
As part of a global trend, many developed and is already engaging with private providers, albeit, at
unemployment, align provisioning to national policy and
developing countries are exploring different ways to a minimalist level through school nutrition schemes,
programmatic imperatives, and contribute to inclusive
involve the private sector in financing and providing transportation, limited subsidies for not-profit
growth and development.
education using voucher schemes, subsidies, joint schools, textbooks supply and a host of other
capital ventures, procuring management, student services.
Its goal of increasing university enrolments from 899 120
support, professional development, inspectoral,
(participation rate 16%) to 1 500 000 (participation rate
operational and maintenance services. But government needs to go further by exploring a
23%) and FET and other post-school enrolments to 4 000
bigger menu of policy options. The issue is not
000 (60% participation rate) by 2030 is by far the most
Demand-side mechanisms such as vouchers and whether our PSET system should be public or
ambitious goals that set intractable fiscal, resource and
subsidies have the advantage of promoting educational private, but rather to create a responsive system
implementation challenges for the post-apartheid state.
choice, competition and institutional accountability. through the optimal mix of institutions and
programmes.
Although the paper is somewhat coy as to who will
Making private providers strategic partners in the PSET
underwrite the costs of restructuring, it can be assumed
system can lead to improved service delivery, access, It is a misnomer to believe that extending the role of
that it will require substantial public spending skewed
equity and learning outcomes. private providers will reduce the government’s
sharply in favour of the PSETA sector leading up to 2030.
control over a public service, limit choices or
In short, a productive education and training system. increase socio-economic segregation. Handled
This presents dilemmas because national development
Enhancing the role of private providers admittedly correctly, private providers increase efficiency and
priorities also extend to other areas such as basic
requires a very smart government with the capacity to choice, and expand access to education services,
education, health, infrastructure, social welfare,
clearly define the role of private providers, design particularly for households that tend to be poorly
policing, land reform and housing, to mention a few.
regulatory frameworks, manage relationships and served by traditional delivery methods.
With e-tolling, massive infrastructure development, job
performance, oversee contractual obligations and
creation and National Health Insurance taking centre
provide strong leadership. Despite considerable efforts to resuscitate our
stage on government’s priority list, any possibility of
public Further Education and Training (FET) Colleges
increasing taxation for already beleaguered tax-payers is
Balanced public-private partnerships in education lead from irrelevance over the last two decades, there is
likely to produce “a remedy worse than the disease”
to substantial private investments, risk sharing, very little to show for it. The time is now ripe to
with long-term consequences for the economy.
differentiation, innovation and technology upgrading relook at the FET conundrum through a different set
and specialised skills of private providers. It also of lenses.
According to National Treasury, university dropout rates
overcomes the many inherent restrictions bedeviling
are set to remain slightly below 80% over the next three
public education provision. The application of smart public-private partnerships
years. This means that in exchange for pouring R26.3
in this sector will ensure its relevance to the
billion into higher learning in 2012/13, only 167 87 will
According to UNESCO, global private enrolments have national project. Private providers are closer to
graduate, followed by 179 780 in 2013/14 at a cost of
increased much faster than public enrolments in recent industry, which is where FET Colleges ought to be.
R28.1 billion and 189 770 students in the year after that
years. Regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle
for R28.1 billion. The figures for public further education
East, and South Asia are recording the largest growth in Public-private partnerships are no panacea for
and training are even more depressing.
the private provision of education. solving our social and education ills, but they can
contribute to the solution substantively. The Green
In the face of competing social demands and fiscal
Contrary to popular belief, private providers serve a full Paper is replete with superlatives to “advance
constraints, the state will be compelled to make hard
range of communities – from elites to middle and innovation”, “prolific creators of knowledge” and
policy and programmatic choices about PSET financing
working classes. Moreover, they reach marginalised “high levels of excellence and innovation”, but
priorities. If the country is to produce a “single,
communities in rural areas. critically this is what is precisely lacking in the
coherent, differentiated and highly-articulated”
discourse.
There are a multitude of examples world-wide to
PSET system mentioned in the Green Paper, the
support the case for greater public-private partnerships There is a cogent case for involving private providers
discourse needs to shift from traditional to innovative
in education and training provision. For example, integrally in the envisaged PSET system because
policy approaches of financing and providing education
India's enrolment figures in higher education remain they have much to offer by way of financing and
and training.
abysmally low at a mere 11 % compared to that of the provisioning education and training.
US and Canada, where over 60 % of college-age
There is a window of opportunity for government to
students access higher education. The latter countries Fundamentally, this requires a paradigm shift in
forge closer relationships with private education and
are strong advocates of private-public sector policy thinking, new mindsets and broadened
training providers in this regard and define more clearly
partnerships. perspectives on the part of our policy-makers and
their role within the system.
stakeholders. This opportunity still prevails.
In the Gulf States, hundreds of millions of dollars are
Fleeting references to the role of private education and
being spent to open branches of top US and European
training contained in the Green Paper is symptomatic of
universities, such as Cornell in Qatar and the Sorbonne
the complexity of policy formulation and the need for
in Abu Dhabi. Late last year, the new King Abdullah
better public and private collaboration.
University of Science and Technology opened in Saudi
Arabia with a $10 billion endowment fund that exceeds
The private education sector can add tremendous value
that of all but five American universities.
in assisting government towards meeting national goals
and injecting huge financial investments into the PSET
In China, the nine universities known as "The C9"
sector without diluting the regulatory oversight of
receive supplemental government funding to enhance
government.
their competitiveness and become China's "Ivy
League".
We must face the hard facts – private sector
participation in education at all levels is a global
The East Asian region contains the largest
phenomenon in the facing of shrinking national budgets.
concentration of countries with the proportionally
largest education private sector.
Africa. Funding inefficiencies, high repetition and
dropout rates and management capacity constraints.


INCREASING YOUR MANAGERIAL The 3,5 level is known as the “nausea” level. When we believe we matter, we behave in a fashion
Characteristics of this level include the following: Level that creates new realities. We affect people’s lives
AWARENESS LEVEL is tough: and we touch their hearts. Research shows that old
Dr Wynand Goosen (DBA; Sc.D.; PhD) people that have pets live longer. This is because
 I am only a worker
they have someone that needs them. They have a
Vice President, BHSEA & CIMAP Board Member  My influence on the situation is limited responsibility – they matter to the pet, and thus have
 Things happen to me a reason to live.
1. Functioning on the Meta Level  I am a victim of circumstances
On level 5 the manager is seen to be proactive – to
The ability to advance business thinking to a higher The manager operating on level 3,5 will struggle with take an interest in his team and to inspire people. He
level of awareness is a new concept developed with all management tasks. This manager will view his job leads, he show the way and people do not mind to
the idea of facilitating more effective communication as “implementation” rather than “leading”. Creativity follow. After all, he is creating a reality – a whole
in the workplace. The “meta” consciousness level can would be low, initiative limited and productivity world in which others may find meaning!
enable one to identify your own blind spots and problematic. Personal development of staff would be
enable you to “see” what you have not seen before. hampered. Organisational growth would be a The level 5 manager displays the following behaviour:
By increasing your level of awareness, you are able to challenge. Market adaptability would present a  Passion, drive and energy
understand the relationship you have with yourself problem.  Compassion, understanding of the views of others
and the people around you, how you influence YOUR  Insight into the task, the team and the future
life and how you co- create the reality that we all live We could, however advance management  Ability to lead without fear
in, collectively. Meta Business is about understands consciousness from level 3.5 to level 5. In order to do  Clarity of the task at hand
the systems thinking of life and building a new vision so, we need to do two things:  Willingness to learn and create a learning culture
for yourself, thus enabling you to lead more effectively  Become aware of the level we operate on  No fear of mistakes
than ever before. now  Continuous improvement
 Make concerted efforts to advance to a
higher level Quantum physics explains how human consciousness
“My relationship with you has nothing to do with
affects matter directly. It is said that matter and thus
you.” It is about me and how I perceive it. I am
Let’s consider the levels of consciousness in a bit more reality, forms as a direct result of human
responsible for my life. I create my reality. How then
detail: consciousness. That, consciousness leads to matter.
do I redirect my reality? Let’s consider the following:
Level 0: refers to non-consciousness, deep sleep So, it can be said that consciousness matters.

 Have you ever looked at your life and wondered Level 1: refers to the dream state – hypnagogic
experiences When you have meaning, you do things that matter.
why you are where you are?
Thus, you “matter” When you feel that you matter,
 Have you ever considered the possibility that you
Level 2: mere awareness, the most basic level of your life finds purpose. Once purpose is discovered,
are the creator of everything that happens to
waking consciousness. Level 2 is not focussed on your contextual awareness - understanding how you
you?
anything, but simply watching the world go by… make a difference to the world, becomes alive. Thus,
 Can you see how this very moment, as you are you now make “matter” - creating new realities,
holding this page, is the sum total of all you said where people’s lives are affected.
Level 3: At this level, self-awareness is evident.
and done, prior to this moment?
 Meta Business is about developing the skills to However, this awareness is dull and heavy – often Level 6: On this level we develop considerable
see your life in perspective, to become aware of limited to one thing at a time. At level, the world is meaning. Unhappiness becomes strange.
who you are and to discover yourself, in an observed, but meaning is not clear at all. This is the
attempt to create the reality that you want. level that Sartre called “nausea”. Level 7: Presents a sense of freedom. At this level is
Meta Cognition is about being aware of how you appears that time itself is mastered. On this level, the
influence the physical world around you, how Level 4: is the normal consciousness we experience human mind enters the mystical.
you actually create matter, and how you live in every day. On this level, we can cope with existence,
the world you create. In Meta Business we show 3. The Business Application
but life is seen as a battle. It is easy to fall back from
you how you construct your reality and how you level 4 to 3 as the pressure mounts, seeing life again,
then justify the same reality, to confirm your The discussion of anything meta-physical is
as without meaning.
belief. traditionally left to dinner talk and avoided in the
boardroom.
 “What you accommodate is what you create. As This level of awareness suggests that the locus of
control is external. On this level, one tends to believe
you believe, so shall it be. “ Not anymore. Increasingly, the role of our spiritual
that the world is a big bad place. The individual is
 Ever read books like the secret? What the Bleep? powerless. One is the victim and has no power to selves are playing an ever increasing role in our work
Mayan Prophecies, Journey work? Do you want change things. In such a reality, it is difficult for the life as we come to terms with who we really are –
to develop an abundance mind-set? Do you want individual to find “purpose”. Thus, often these people spirits trying to be human, not humans trying to be
often find it hard to obtain a job that satisfies them – spiritual.
to train your thought process to generate the life
happiness eludes them. They may even be good at a
you want? certain job, but fail to see what the job does for them
on a personal level. Thus, without meaning, By raising consciousness, the perspective we hold
 Life as you know it is not some random event
productivity will suffer. regarding everything changes. In a managerial
that happened to you. You are no victim of a
position, it enables the ability to see situations from
conspiracy. Your job, your family and your reality Victor Frankl, a prisoner of World War II, believed that multiple angles. A manager with more insight can
are not the result of fruit theft by your
a person can cope with “any how” when they have “a manage a workforce with so much more insight, thus
forefathers! Even when you are a victim, you are
reason why” and thus survived the Nazi concentration delivering so much more results!
the perpetrator, the creator of your reality!
camps. Thus, if we are to address productivity, it starts
with creating meaning. However, meaning also Higher awareness also suggests higher creativity
2. The levels of awareness
requires understanding the big picture. Thus, we need levels. More angles, more dimensions and more
to know why we are doing what we’re doing, and we options makes for better quality decisions.
The levels of awareness or consciousness can be
need to see how it makes sense in the world out there.
measured, using a system developed by Colin Wilson
We need to feel that we matter. If we do not matter – 4. The Way forward
in 1991. This level of consciousness ultimately
we do not affect matter.Only then, do we feel
determines the way you view the world, and this view,
compelled to act. Until then, well why should we? Various ways exist to increase consciousness. Start by
your perception, determines your reality. Thus, your writing down the issues that trouble you now. Make
awareness is what determines your success! a list of not more than 10 items.
Level 5: spring morning consciousness…Changing from
a passive existence to a positive, active existence.
The levels of awareness are measured on a scale of 1 Claiming the locus of your life to be in your control. If you only have one, that is fine too. However, if you
to 7, according to the Wilson scale. Most people you Master of your destiny. Now things no longer happen have a few, try to identify patterns between the
will meet on a daily basis operate on level 3,5 to you – in fact you start happening to things! Now life things you identify.
consciousness. has prospects. We are happy. We matter, therefore
we act


For example, if you have a tough time with your boss, Responsibility is power. It shows you how you ETHICS AND ACCOUNTABILITY
and feel your husband is a problem, whilst you had an happened to things, as opposed to things happening
argument with your sister…what is the trend? to you. Now let us make a list of what you are going Article by Heidi D Edwards
to change and how you are going to do it. Let us plan
Relationship problems, interpersonal issues, conflicts? your life. You are in charge… Salutations Practitioners!
You decide. Remember, you do not need to try to
hide. You will only hide from yourself…so be honest. It 5. Conclusion This month sees the advent of two new interesting
is only you and I that will know, and frankly, I am not and really useful services at CIMAP – Practitioner
You would be a better manager and team leader Counseling and Practitioner Ethics Reporting.
that bothered – you see, what you think does not
influence my reality… because you have a vision of what you can change.
The stress and strain of daily living means that more
You know you can bring ideas to manifest and you and more people act in a manner contrary to the
From the trauma, your reality will be defined. This will lead from the heart. You know yourself and your values inculcated by our Mothers; as Practitioners we
be done during the contact session. Once you weaknesses and are assured of your strengths and are often subjected to the ire and bad temper of
completed this part, you have started to look at your talents and how to use them to make your visions Learners.
reality from an objective perspective. come to fruition, both for yourself your team and
your company. You will see what others do not. You My journey as a Practitioner has been punctuated by
tremendous growth – a blossoming in the Reflexive
Step two: Define the reality will truly see what you see…
quadrant of my competency. How have I managed? I
To define your reality, is to consider all that is in it. have access to some wonderful people who guide and
This moment is the sum total of all you said and did, assist me when I feel that I need guidance. Now
prior to this moment. This moment is the result of the CIMAP is making this service available to YOU in the
recipe that is your life. Take a moment and ponder – form of Practitioner Counseling.
what is my life? Who am I? What do I think I am like?
We must stand proud as citizens who understand our
Write down your thoughts. Does your self-image
responsibilities and as Practitioners who strive to
differ from what people around you think? Did you create a business environment that is categorised by
ask them? In addition, how important is it to you what its ethical behaviour.
they think?
According to 2011 Transparency International (TI)
I am… report, South Africa is ranked 64th out of 182
countries in terms of being rife with corruption. What
Once you completed this part, you have started to A Case for Professional Development do you do if you know of a Practitioner who has
connect your reality with yourself, no creating
indulged in unethical behaviour, e.g. falsified reports
another perspective. You have now defined your OR taken a bribe to assign a Competent result?
By Henriette van Twisk
trauma; you looked at yourself; you considered how
others see you and you are starting to form a picture. As per the new Companies Act, CIMAP has an ‘Ethics
The world in which all professionals practise is & Accountability’ sub-committee. Under the auspices
However, you cannot see your true self yet. You are
changing. Global competition has never been more of this committee, CIMAP has made available a facility
looking back, but now just see a glimpse of the road
intense. Clients are becoming more knowledgeable that allows any CIMAP member to report behaviour
you walked. So let us stand a bit further and see if we
and more demanding. Technology continues to that would by common law or moral standard be
can get a clearer picture…Lets walk done the next considered ‘unethical behaviour’.
affect all aspects of our lives.
valley…
It is incumbent upon us as Practitioners to report
The knowledge base of the professions, and of the
Step 3: It is your fault behaviour that could damage credibility or harm us
sectors in which they operate, has also increased. individually or collectively on a professional basis.
Have you ever noticed how most people always want
With such developments come new opportunities: Please use the CIMAP Practitioner Ethics Reporting
to shift the blame of what happened in their lives to
new clients, new markets, and new areas of facility when you know that a Learner or a Practitioner
someone or something else? Consider this. How many
practice and new methods of working. These has behaved in an unethical manner.
people do you know that can admit when they are
changes demand ever-evolving knowledge, skills
wrong? How many people apologised to you in your Contact CIMAP on admin@cimap.co.za or 011 329
and understanding and an increasing
life? Even worse – make a list of your friends who 9000 to find out how you can avail yourself of
demonstration of commitment to lifelong
think they are paid well…? Most people have an Practitioner Counseling and CONFIDENTIAL
professional learning. ANONYMOUS Practitioner Ethics Reporting and how it
empty list. By the way, do you think you are paid
can help your Continuous Professional Development.
enough for what you do? No, you don’t? That is funny.
All professionals are assumed technically
No one seems to think they are be paid what they
competent and managerially capable. Indeed, in Heidi D Edwards (heidi@etdpractitioner.co.za)
should be… Independent ETD Practitioner AND CIMAP Affiliate
our knowledge-intensive world some have argued
Member
that the only real source of sustainable competitive
Now let’s play a game. Let’s think of the entire trauma
advantage is the ability to recognise and adapt to
and the things you are aware of in your life, which is Relationship forged with The Chartered
these changes faster than the competition.
“wrong”. Make a list…travel down this valley. Next, let
Institute of Educational Assessors U.K
us take full responsibility for all that happened. Make
The commitment to keeping up to date is growing
a list of how it could be your fault. You do not have to
in significance as an increasing number of people CIMAP has established a strategic relationship with
even really think it is, but assume it is. recognise the benefits of adopting a planned and The Chartered Institute of Educational Assessors U.K.
structured approach to post-qualification learning.
CIMAP members have access to discounted
When you assume responsibility, you create a
The commitment to keeping up to date is growing membership rates to the CIEA, and access to the
platform from which you can analyse why you created
in significance as an increasing number of people largest global assessment resource website.
the reality that you did. Sure, you might need a
recognise the benefits of adopting a planned and http://www.ciea.org.uk/
guided meditation to accomplish this... However, you
could just quietly ponder… and explore the reasons structured approach to post-qualification learning.
CIEA programmes will be run in South Africa as part of
why you created the reality that you did. Only once,
Commitment to CPD is also an acknowledgement our global recognition initiative.
you have a clear understanding of “why you created
the experiences that you did, will you understand the that becoming professionally qualified is not an end
in itself - it is merely the beginning. CIMAP is also proudly associated with:
“lessons” you are meant to learn from it.

Step 4: You are in control Updating skills and knowledge on a continuing basis
Yes, you are. You created this entire reality. Own it. is essential to career progression, particularly given
Only when you own it, can you change it. Do not shy the passing of the 'job for life' and rigorously
away from taking responsibility for your life. defined career path cultures.


CIMAP Assessment Talk May 2012

CIMAP Assessment Talk May 2012

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