ROLE DEFINITION: NATIONAL MODERATOR

1. BACKGROUND

The purpose of moderation is to achieve valid and consistent assessment. All unit and achievement standards will be supported by moderation. Focus falls on how each provider interprets the standard. Evidence for similar or differing interpretations is found in the assessment activities used and how assessment judgements are made.

A moderation system includes the appointment of a national moderator to oversee the moderation process. The national moderator is responsible for coordinating and monitoring a national network of modeators.

2. NATIONAL MODERATOR'S ROLE

The national moderator is appointed and trained by NZQA to oversee the moderation process. The national moderator is responsible for providing leadership and expertise in the interpretation of standards. The national moderator monitors the work of all moderators and works with NZQA to monitor and improve the moderation process.

The role is further clarified in the terms of the Contract for Service negotiated with NZQA.

3. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The national moderator will:

  • attend training sessions organised by NZQA, and assist with the training of moderators;
  • work with NZQA to ensure consistent interpretation of standards, in consultation with other moderators;
  • co-ordinate moderation activities nationally, advising and informing assessors and moderators as necessary;
  • co-ordinate and contribute to the development of materials which support the moderation process;
  • identify examples of providers' assessment activities, methods and materials useful for assessment guides and moderation training in subsequent years;
  • ensure compliance by all moderators;
  • document interpretations of the standards as benchmarks;
  • monitor, evaluate and improve the effectiveness and responsiveness of the moderation system;
  • report to NZQA at specified times;
  • maintain a work log which is submitted, along with work logs collected from all moderators, to NZQA at specified times;
  • prepare an annual report for submission to NZQA in accordance with guidelines provided.

4. WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

The national moderator will:

  • provide leadership and expertise in the interpretation of registered standards to provider representatives and all moderators in the system;
  • co-ordinate and monitor the moderation activities of all moderators in the system;
  • liaise with the Team Leader allocated to the moderation system;
  • develop and maintain appropriate communication systems and working relationships with moderators as required.

5. PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL QUALITIES

Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Attributes

The national moderator will demonstrate:

  • subject involvement and experience at a national level and subject-knowledge expertise in the registered standards being moderated;
  • sufficient knowledge and experience to establish and maintain national credibility with providers and other moderators;
  • leadership and professional expertise;
  • an understanding of the principles of standards based assessment and moderation relevant to the moderation system;
  • an understanding of the National Qualifications Framework;
  • knowledge of the rights and responsibilities of the partners of the Treaty of Waitangi in an educational setting;
  • the ability to establish constructive working relationships with other professionals;
  • clear and effective communication;
  • the ability to organise and facilitate meetings;
  • sound judgement in decision making;
  • the ability to implement and maintain appropriate administrative and communication systems.

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