Supporting quality teaching and learning in Adult and Community Education
The Adult and Community Education (ACE) Teaching Standards describe the knowledge, skills and practices that support effective teaching and learning across the ACE sector in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The standards provide a shared understanding of quality teaching and help educators, organisations and communities recognise what good adult teaching looks like in practice.
Grounded in the values of rangatiratanga, manaakitanga and whanaungatanga, and guided by the principle of ako, the standards recognise the importance of learner-centred approaches, inclusive learning environments and positive relationships.
They can be used to support professional development, guide reflective practice and strengthen the quality of learning experiences for adults.
Values underpinning the ACE Teaching Standards
The ACE Teaching Standards are underpinned by three key values and the guiding principle of ako.
Rangatiratanga – Learner autonomy
Recognising learners' experiences, knowledge and aspirations, and supporting them to take an active role in shaping their learning.
Manaakitanga – Respectful learning environments
Creating learning environments that nurture wellbeing, respect learners' identities, cultures and values, and support everyone to participate.
Whanaungatanga – Relationships
Building positive relationships with learners, whānau and communities that strengthen connection, belonging and engagement in learning.
Ako – Reciprocal teaching and learning
Recognising that educators and learners both bring valuable knowledge and experiences, and that teaching and learning are shared processes.
Together, these values provide a foundation for teaching practice that is inclusive, culturally responsive and focused on learner success.
What do the standards cover?
The ACE Teaching Standards describe seven areas of professional commitment, knowledge and practice.
Commitment
1. Responding to diverse learners
Recognising and responding effectively to the different cultural foundations, languages, experiences and needs of adult learners.
2. Ongoing professional learning
Continuing to develop professional knowledge and skills, reflecting on teaching practice and identifying opportunities for improvement.
Knowledge
3. Creating supportive learning environments
Promoting collaborative, inclusive and supportive environments that engage and motivate learners.
4. Understanding learner needs and progress
Gathering and using learner information to understand individual needs, recognise progress and provide appropriate feedback and support.
5. Designing and planning learning
Planning effective learning programmes that connect learning objectives, teaching approaches and the needs of adult learners.
Practice
6. Delivering effective learning programmes
Using appropriate teaching approaches, resources and activities to support meaningful and engaging learning experiences.
7. Reflecting on and improving teaching
Using reflection, feedback and evaluation to strengthen teaching practice and improve learning experiences and outcomes.
The standards provide a framework for educators to consider their current practice, recognise their strengths and identify areas for ongoing professional development.
How can you use the ACE Teaching Standards?
The standards can be used by individuals and organisations to support quality teaching and learning.
For educators, tutors and kaiako
The standards can help you:
- Reflect on your teaching practice and recognise your strengths.
- Identify opportunities to develop your knowledge and skills.
- Plan learning experiences that respond to the needs of adult learners.
- Strengthen inclusive, culturally responsive and learner-centred teaching.
- Set professional learning goals and monitor your development.
For ACE organisations
The standards can help organisations:
- Establish shared expectations for quality teaching.
- Support tutor recruitment, induction and professional development.
- Encourage reflective practice and continuous improvement.
- Inform conversations about teaching quality and learner experiences.
- Strengthen organisational approaches to teaching and learning.
For learners and communities
The standards help communicate what learners can expect from quality adult and community education, including respectful relationships, inclusive learning environments and teaching that recognises their experiences, strengths and aspirations.
Download the ACE Teaching Standards
Explore the full ACE Teaching Standards, including the standards and their indicators of effective teaching practice.
Download the ACE Teaching Standards (PDF)
The document can be used for individual reflection, professional development planning and organisational discussions about teaching quality.
Professional development and support
ACE Aotearoa offers professional development opportunities to help educators understand and apply the ACE Teaching Standards in their everyday teaching practice.
Our workshops connect the standards with practical approaches to lesson planning, learner engagement, inclusive teaching, feedback, assessment and reflective practice.
Explore Effective Adult Teaching Practice Workshops
These workshops are designed to help educators strengthen different aspects of their teaching practice. Visit the workshop page for information about future opportunities and to register your interest.
Explore all ACE Aotearoa professional development workshops
For further information about the ACE Teaching Standards or professional development opportunities, contact ACE Aotearoa at admin@aceaotearoa.org.nz.