scholarly journals An introduction to the use of eportfolios in professional practice

2006 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 69-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Duncan-Pitt ◽  
S. Sutherland
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Student Achievement ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Reflective Practice ◽  
Professional Practice ◽  
Asynchronous Communication ◽  
Electronic Portfolios ◽  
Higher Education Funding ◽  
Quality Assurance Agency ◽  
The University

In this article the potential for use of electronic portfolios by healthcare practitioners and students is considered in the context of work currently being undertaken in the School of Health at the University of Wolverhampton. We write at a time when knowledge of, and interest in, eportfolios is expanding beyond a relatively small number of projects and into the consciousness of a wider audience of academics and institutions. In the last 2 years interest in eportfolios has grown rapidly, particularly within a Higher Education sector keen to meet the Higher Education Funding Council for England/Quality Assurance Agency progress file deadline in 2005, but also spurred by the reports of Burgess (Universities UK. Measuring and recording student achievement, 2004 [Online report] [Accessed: 01 March 2006]. Available from: http://bookshop.universitiesuk.ac.uk/downloads/ measuringachievement.pdf) and of Tomlinson (DfES. Harnessing Technology: Transforming learning and children's services, 2005. [Online Report]. Published 15 March 2005 [Accessed: 01 Mar 2006]. Available from: http://www.dfes.gov.uk/publications/e-strategy/index.shtml). Examples of the use of eportfolio as a means of recording achievement and, in particular, facilitating reflective practice are discussed. The potential of an eportfolio system incorporating asynchronous communication features to resolve the tensions between academic and clinical practitioner roles is explored.

scholarly journals The landscape of professional doctorate provision in English higher education institutions: Inconsistencies, tensions and unsustainability

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Professional Practice ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Clear Definition ◽  
Higher Education Funding ◽  
Research Project ◽  
Quality Assurance Agency ◽  
Professional Doctorate ◽  
Doctor Of Philosophy

This article reports findings from a recent research project, commissioned by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), which explored the current landscape of professional doctorate (PD) provision in English higher education institutions (HEIs) (Mellors-Bourne et al ., 2016). Given the absence of a clear definition by the Quality Assurance Agency for England of the characteristics that distinguish PDs from practice-based doctorates and the doctor of philosophy, this paper makes a timely contribution through considering the inherent characteristics of PD programmes. The paper presents an overview of the state of play of PD programmes currently available in HEIs in England, highlighting how the proliferation of PD titles and programmes, and inconsistencies between the various programmes, has resulted in confusion about what PDs are, the contribution they make, and the value they add to professional practice. Consideration is given to the tensions created through the expansion in the number and types of PDs available, and the implications of these tensions with regard to the future sustainability of PD programmes in general and in relation to the professional doctorate in education (EdD) in particular.

scholarly journals Class Size and Student Achievement

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-24
Author(s):  
Nickanor A. Owuor
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Student Achievement ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Class Size ◽  
Quantitative Method ◽  
Positive Relationship ◽  
Topical Issue ◽  
Mass Higher Education ◽  
The University ◽  
Paired T Test

The change from elite to mass higher education has arguably heightened pressure on HE in many countries. Therefore the relevance of class size with regard to student achievement and quality assurance has become such a topical issue. Thus, this study employs a quantitative method by way of a parametric paired t test to investigate the effect of splitting a large class into smaller groups in two successive semesters at an anonymous university. The identity of the university has not been revealed as per prior arrangement with the administration.  The data on the students’ performance in the two semesters is analysed and it is established that there is a positive relationship between class size and student achievement, even though it does not establish specifically how small is best. The paper begins with an introduction, discusses the methodology, then delves into the data and finally ends with some discussion and conclusion.

Quality assurance systems: enemies or allies of innovation in higher education institutions?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Ferreira de Mello Silva ◽  
Eduardo Raupp de Vargas
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
University Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
The University ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Innovation In Higher Education

Purpose This study aims to examine the extant literature to analyze the relationship between quality assurance (QA) and innovation in the higher education context. Design/methodology/approach This study selected 63 articles through a systematic literature review in Scopus and Web of Science databases and performed a descriptive and thematic synthesis-analysis on the sample. Findings The research identifies several perspectives discussed on QA systems covering experiences, criticisms and practice implications. The literature review shows there is no clear consensus on whether innovation in higher education institutions (HEIs) is fostered or hindered by QA processes. However, it seems that the likelihood of innovativeness and positive QA outcomes are directly linked to how these processes are managed in universities. Research limitations/implications This review highlights the university management concerns that emerge with QA issues as it is not yet clear to what extent innovation is actually promoted in scenarios where QA is applied. Hence, this literature review could be considered comprehensive but not exhaustive. Further studies are recommended to improve the understanding of how HEIs can both innovate and ensure quality at the same time. Originality/value The paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge by advancing the opportunities and challenges that HEIs face due to QA system features.

scholarly journals Quality assurance agencies: Creating a conducive environment for academic integrity

2019 ◽  
Vol 115 (11/12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Evelyn Garwe
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Academic Integrity ◽  
Ecosystem Approach ◽  
Leadership Role ◽  
Academic Quality ◽  
Quality Assurance Agency ◽  
Self Evaluation ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
Conducive Environment

Academic integrity is a key measure of the quality, efficiency and competitiveness of higher education systems. This article explores how a quality assurance agency can foster a conducive environment for academic quality and integrity. A self-study methodology was used, with a focus on the insights and experiences of the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education over a 10-year period. The findings show that by assuming an innovative and transformational leadership role in instilling a culture of self-evaluation, as well as maintaining its own integrity, an external quality assurance agency can improve academic integrity. The article adds value to the existing knowledge by advancing the higher education ecosystem approach as an integrity-based panacea and conducive way to induce integrity to flow from all players as opposed to the use of heavy-handed regulatory approaches.

scholarly journals Evaluasi Program Mutu Pelaksanaan Pembelajaran pada Tahapan Transactions (Suatu Pendekatan Model Stake’s Countenance Evaluation)

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (01) ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Ferdinan Ferdinan ◽  
Nurhayati Nurhayati
Keyword(s):  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Evaluation Study ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Quality Assurance Agency ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Lecture Material ◽  
Study Programs ◽  
The University

  AbstrakPenelitian ini adalah penelitian evaluasi dengan menggunakan jenis penelitian kombinasi (mixed methods). Pendekatan penelitian, yaitu: pendekatan studi kasus. Sumber data penelitian ini terdiri atas Rektor, Wakil Rektor I, Ketua Lembaga Penjaminan Mutu, Ketua Unit Penjaminan Mutu Fakultas, dan Kasubdit SDM Universitas dan yang menjadi responden yaitu 32 Ketua Prodi dan 70 Ketua Tingkat. Teknik pengumpulan data yaitu wawancara, studi dokumentasi, dan lembar observasi. Penilaian untuk setiap aspek evaluasi dikategorikan menjadi tiga tingkatan: tinggi, sedang, dan rendah.  Pengambilan keputusan dikategorikan menjadi tiga tingkatan: tercapai, kurang tercapai, dan tidak tercapai. Penelitian evaluasi ini memberikan beberapa kesimpulan,  yaitu gambaran pelaksanaan pembelajaran di Unismuh Makassar pada tahapan proses (transactions) menunjukkan bahwa: 1) penguasaan dosen dalam menyusun dan menyiapkan administrasi perkuliahan dari 7 subaspek  yang dievaluasi  terdapat 6 subaspek  telah memenuhi kriteria objektif dan 1 subaspek yang kurang tercapai yaitu kemampuan dosen dalam menyusun buku ajar, 2)) penguasaan dosen dalam pelaksanaan perkuliahan menunjukkan bahwa dari 15 subaspek yang dievaluasi 13 subaspek sudah tercapai sesuai standar objektif dan 2 subaspek yang belum terpenuhi yaitu dosen tidak memberikan sanksi kepada mahasiswa yang terlambat 30 menit dalam mengikuti perkuliahan dan dosen belum menyampaikan materi kuliah dengan berbasis IT, 3) interaksi dosen dengan mahasiswa dalam perkuliahan, dari 4 subaspek yang dievaluasi semuanya telah memenuhi standar objektif, dan 4) kemampuan dosen dalam melakukan evaluasi hasil perkuliahan  menunjukkan bahwa dari 12 subaspek yang dievaluasi terdapat  10 subaspek sudah tercapai sesuai standar objektif dan 2 subaspek kurang terpenuhi. Kata Kunci: Evaluasi, Mutu Pembelajaran dan TransactionsAbstract                This study is an evaluation study using mixed methods. Research approach, namely: case study approach. The data sources of this study consisted of the Chancellor, Deputy Chancellor I, Chairperson of the Quality Assurance Agency, Chair of the Faculty Quality Assurance Unit, and the Head of Sub-directorate of Human Resources of the University and respondents, namely 32 Chairmen of Study Programs and 70 Chairmen. Data collection techniques are interviews, documentation studies, and observation sheets. Assessments for each aspect of evaluation are categorized into three levels: high, medium, and low. Decision making is categorized into three levels: achieved, less achieved, and not achieved. This evaluation study provides several conclusions, namely the description of the implementation of learning in Unismuh Makassar at the stages of transactions shows that: 1) the mastery of lecturers in preparing and preparing lecture administration from 7 sub-aspects evaluated, there are 6 sub-aspects that meet objective criteria and 1 sub-aspect is lacking achieved, namely the ability of lecturers in preparing textbooks, 2)) mastery of lecturers in lecturing shows that out of 15 sub-aspects evaluated 13 sub-aspects have been achieved according to objective standards and 2 sub-aspects that have not been fulfilled, namely lecturers do not sanction students who are 30 minutes late in attending lectures and lecturers have not delivered IT-based lecture material, 3) lecturer and student interaction in lectures, of the 4 sub-aspects evaluated all met objective standards, and 4) lecturers' ability to evaluate lecture results showed that from 12 sub the evaluated aspects have 10 sub-aspects that have been achieved according to objective standards and 2 sub-aspects have not been fulfilled.Keywords: Evaluation, Learning Quality and Transaction

scholarly journals FORMATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE INTERNAL SYSTEM OF EDUCATION QUALITY ASSURANCE AT THE UNIVERSITY AS A FACTOR OF STATE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

2020 ◽  
pp. 96-103
Author(s):  
A. Artyukhov
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Economic Development ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Foreign Students ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
The State ◽  
Educational Services ◽  
Socio Economic Development ◽  
The University

The article is devoted to the description and analysis of factors that potentially and actually affect the socio-economic development of the state on the example of the higher education institution. It is established that at the system level the level of ensuring the quality of educational activities and the quality of higher education has a decisive influence on the formation of a positive image of a higher education institution. The results of a survey of students on the criteria for choosing a university to study are presented. Statistics on public funding of education in general and higher education in particular are presented and analyzed. It is established that, despite the formally high percentage of education funding from the level of GDP in absolute terms, the actual funding is low and needs to be strengthened by attracting external funding from customers. Attention is also paid to the state of development of educational services for foreign students. In a competitive environment at the national and international level, the decisive influence on the involvement of foreign students in the university is influenced by the structure of the training program, teacher qualifications, organization of the educational process in the classroom and so on. The article on the example of a higher education institution presents the main stages of formation and development of the internal system of quality assurance of education as an object of influence on the socio-economic development of the state. The development and/or improvement of internal quality assurance systems in universities is becoming a powerful basis for increasing university funding from external (personally involved) sources, reducing the outflow of applicants abroad and the successful provision of educational services to foreign students. At this stage, given the limited opportunities for funding of educational activities by the state (compared to EU countries), the successful implementation of the university development strategy is possible provided that systematic work is done to improve the quality of educational services for domestic and foreign citizens. As part of further research, it is planned to analyze the mutual impact of the education quality assurance system on the effectiveness of scientific activities, the provision of additional paid educational services, training for external customers and other sources.

Quality Assurance and Institutional Research for University Strategic Management

2020 ◽  
pp. 287-308
Author(s):  
Ngepathimo Kadhila ◽  
Gilbert Likando
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Strategic Management ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Institutional Research ◽  
The World ◽  
The University ◽  
Evidence Based Decision Making

Strategic management in higher education (HE) has become data-reliant. Most higher education institutions (HEIs) all over the world have implemented quality assurance (QA) and institutional research (IR) with the purpose of generating data that that would assist in evidence-based decision making for better strategic management. However, data generated through QA and IR processes have to be integrated and streamlined in order to successfully inform strategic management. One of the challenges facing higher education institutions is to integrate the data generated by QA and IR processes effectively. This chapter examines examples of good practice for integrating the data generated by these processes for use as tools to inform strategic management, using the University of Namibia as a reference point. The chapter offers suggestions on how higher education institutions may be assisted to overcome challenges when integrating the outcomes of QA and IR processes in order to close the quality loop through effective strategic management.

scholarly journals DEPENDENCE OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION QUALITY ON SOURCES OF ITS FINANCING AND SPECIALIZATION OF THE INSTITUTE OF HIGHER EDUCATION: ANALYSIS OF EMPLOYERS’ OPINIONS AND DIRECTIONS TO IMPROVE PUBLIC POLIC

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (37) ◽  
pp. 521-538
Author(s):  
S. Moroz ◽  
O. Romanovs’kyj ◽  
V. Moroz ◽  
L. Gren ◽  
A. Pomaza-Ponomarenko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Public Policy ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Jel Classification ◽  
Education Quality ◽  
University Rankings ◽  
State Budget ◽  
World University Rankings ◽  
Higher Education Quality ◽  
The University

Abstract. Taking into account the fact that Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area identify employers at the level of one of the main stakeholders in higher education quality assurance, the authors of the publication conducted their survey within the non-grant project «Higher Education Quality Assessment». Among the focuses of the project attention were also those questions, the content of which was focused on clarifying the employers’ opinion on the existence of dependence of the higher education quality on the sources of its funding and specialization of the Institute of Higher Education.Using the tools of expert interviews and questionnaires, 184 employers from Kharkiv, Poltava, Sumy, as well as Ukraine-controlled parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions were interviewed. The obtained results were considered through the prism of the analysis of university ratings in the direction of finding out the specialization and forms of ownership of those universities that occupied the so‑called top positions within its framework. The analysis revealed fundamental differences between the trends of the national academic rating «TOP—200 Ukraine» and the international university rating «QS World University Rankings» on the specialization and forms of ownership of leaders of the Institutes of Higher Education. It was found that among the top world level universities, classical Institutes of Higher Education dominate and  within the sample selected for analysis there exists parity between the amount of private and public Institutes of Higher Education. The analysis of the national academic rating allowed to state the fact that among the top Ukrainian universities, specialized Institutes of Higher Education dominate, and the share of private Institutes of Higher Education is absent at all. The perception of the results of the survey of employers and the results of the analysis of the university rankings’ content through the prism of the dependence of the higher education quality on its sources of funding and specialization of the university, allowed to formulate proposals for improving public policy in higher education sphere. Among the practical measures, the implementation of which, on the one hand, will improve the quality of higher education, and on the other — will contribute to optimization of the state budget usage for the higher education maintenance and development, it was proposed to develop and implement two state target programs, namely: Programs of priority development of specialized Institutes of Higher Education and the Program of priority development of classical Institutes of Higher Education. For each of these programs, the criteria for selecting of Institutes of Higher Education  for inclusion in the program were determined, as well as the limit amount number of its participants was determined. In addition, the article substantiates the need to involve employers into the higher education quality monitoring at the regional and state levels, as well as formulates proposals for improving the mechanisms of public administration over assurance of the higher education quality. Keywords: higher education quality; the survey of employers; dependence of the higher education quality on sources of its financing and specialization of the Institute of Higher Education; directions to improve content of public policy in the higher education sphere; state target program to ensure the priority development of higher education institutions. JEL Classification I28, I22, E61 Formulas: 0; fig.: 2; tabl.: 0; bibl.: 42.

scholarly journals Education for Sustainable Development: a Strategic Tool for Quality Improvement of Higher Education

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kageeporn Wongpreedee ◽  
Karnitta Sinsahuang ◽  
Janjira Intanakom ◽  
Wanlaya Tanechpongtamb ◽  
Pansiri Phansuwan-Pujito
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Social Enterprise ◽  
Mission Statement ◽  
Quality Standards ◽  
Education For Sustainable Development ◽  
Management Team ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
The University

It has been long known that quality assurance (QA) is a system to develop quality standards in Thailand.  However, it is not easy to implement the concept throughout a whole organization, for example, to include in a university, faculty members, program specifications, management team, and so on.   This paper is to explain a case of strategic management of quality assurance using education for sustainable development (ESD) in the university with social enterprise concept.  An example of the university with the mission statement of “to serve society” can drawn more attention using ESD concept to faculty in stead of QA regulation concept.  The conceptual framework of the implementation was shown how QA can be developed in curriculum embedding with an ESD concept.  

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