NEW TRENDS IN QUALITY ASSURANCE

ali gunes

University of New York Tirana

aligunes@unyt.edu.al

 

Quality assurance in higher education refers to the systematic processes and practices that institutions worldwide strive to implement to ensure that their educational offerings meet established standards of quality in every aspect of the institutions, ranging from teaching to research, from management to institutional job satisfaction. Thus, it encompasses a range of activities to evaluate, monitor, and improve the quality of education, teaching, research, and institutional performance. Key components of quality assurance in higher education include:

1. Standards and Criteria: Quality assurance in higher education helps Establish clear standards and criteria for evaluating the quality of educational programs, teaching, and learning outcomes. Regulatory bodies, accreditation agencies, or institutions may set these standards.

2. Evaluation and Assessment: Regular evaluations and assessments of academic programs, faculty performance, and student learning outcomes. This can involve internal reviews, peer assessments, and external audits to ensure compliance with quality standards.

3. Continuous Improvement: Implementing mechanisms for continuous improvement based on evaluation results. Institutions use assessment feedback to identify areas for enhancement and develop action plans to improve educational quality.

4. Stakeholder Involvement: Engaging various stakeholders, including faculty, students, employers, and external experts, in the quality assurance process. This collaborative approach helps ensure that quality measures are relevant and aligned with all parties' needs.

5. Accreditation: Seeking accreditation from recognized bodies that evaluate and certify the quality of educational programs and institutions. Accreditation is a mark of quality and can enhance the institution's reputation and credibility.

6. Transparency and Accountability: Ensuring that quality assurance processes are transparent and that institutions are accountable for their performance. This includes making information about quality assurance activities and outcomes available to stakeholders.

7. Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to national and international regulations and standards related to higher education quality. Compliance with these regulations is often necessary for institutions to receive funding and keep their operational status.

As the components above indicate, quality assurance in higher education is a comprehensive approach that aims to ensure that educational institutions provide high-quality education, meet the needs of students and society, and continuously improve their practices. It plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity and reputation of higher education systems globally.

What is quality assurance essential in higher education?

The answer to this question changes from one perspective to another because of one’s interest, expectations, and experience in higher education. Experts generally list the following points concerning the importance of quality assurance.  

1. Enhancing Educational Standards: Quality assurance processes help institutions maintain high teaching, learning, and assessment standards. This leads to improved academic outcomes for students and enhances the overall quality of the educational experience.

2. Accountability and Transparency: Quality assurance frameworks provide a mechanism for accountability, ensuring that institutions are held responsible for their performance. This transparency is crucial for stakeholders, including students, parents, and funding bodies, who must understand the quality of education provided.

3. Continuous Improvement: Quality assurance encourages a culture of continuous improvement within institutions. By regularly evaluating and reflecting on practices, institutions can identify areas for enhancement and implement changes that lead to better learning experiences.

4. Student Confidence and Choice: A robust quality assurance system helps build student confidence in the value of their education. When students are assured of the quality of their programs, they are more likely to make informed choices about their education and future careers.

5. Global Competitiveness: In an increasingly globalized education market, quality assurance helps institutions compete internationally. Accreditation and quality assurance processes can enhance the reputation of institutions, making them more attractive to domestic and international students.

6. Alignment with Labor Market Needs: Quality assurance processes often involve aligning educational programs with the needs of the labour market. This ensures graduates possess the skills and knowledge employers require, enhancing employability.

7. Regulatory Compliance: Many countries have regulatory requirements for higher education institutions to ensure quality. Compliance with these regulations is essential for institutions to receive funding and maintain their accreditation status.

As the summary above shows, quality assurance in higher education is vital for maintaining high educational standards, ensuring accountability, fostering continuous improvement, and enhancing the overall student experience. It is crucial in preparing students for successful careers and contributing to broader societal and economic development.

What are the new key trends in quality assurance in higher education?

Of course, the answer to this question is not easy but complex, requiring careful consideration and reflection based on diverse points of view and approaches. Here is the list of opinions suggested by experts in the field.

1. Shift from Compliance to Enhancement: There is a growing emphasis on quality enhancement rather than merely compliance with regulatory standards. Institutions are encouraged to focus on continuous improvement and developing a quality culture rather than just meeting minimum requirements.

2. Involvement of Stakeholders: Increasingly, there is recognition of the importance of involving various stakeholders, including students, in the quality assurance process. This participatory approach ensures that quality measures are relevant and practical.

3. Impact of Rankings: The influence of university rankings on quality assurance practices is significant. Institutions are often motivated to improve their rankings, which can lead to positive and negative consequences for educational quality.

4. Cultural Change: Effective quality enhancement requires cultural change within institutions. This includes restructuring support teams and fostering an environment that values quality improvement as a core mission.

5. Thematic Reviews: There is a trend towards thematic quality reviews that supplement traditional departmental reviews. This approach allows for a more comprehensive quality assessment across different areas of the institution.

6. Focus on Learning Outcomes: Institutions are increasingly aligning their quality assurance processes with learning outcomes, ensuring that educational programs meet the needs of students and the labour market.

These trends reflect a dynamic landscape in higher education quality assurance, where institutions adapt to new challenges and expectations while striving for excellence.