Implementation of quality assurance standards in European higher education: does context matter?

The vast majority of studies concerning the implementation of quality assurance in higher education institutions have been conducted from a national perspective, with few cross-national studies. This study aimed to explore the implementation of quality assurance standards in Europe from a comparative perspective. A questionnaire based on Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area was developed to compare countries. The results indicate that higher education institutions mainly formulate their quality assurance systems according to national standards or based on their own needs. The main emphasis in quality assurance is on teaching and learning activities and curriculum development. The major contribution of the study lies in showing how different country settings affect the implementation of quality assurance standards through presenting the strengths and weaknesses for quality assurance implementation among several European countries.     

Converge or not converge: the European Union and higher education policies in the Netherlands,Belgium/Flanders and Germany

This article examines the impact of European integration on higher education policies of the Netherlands, Belgium/Flanders and Germany. The analysis of higher education policies in the three countries is part of a broader project, which focuses on a majority of E.U. member states. The selection of the three countries for this paper is not based on any methodological considerations. The question addressed is if higher education policies of member states are converging, diverging or not changing at all, and whether such developments are a consequence of the policies of the European Union (E.U.) or of other factors (e.g., the globalization of the market or of institutions imitating each other). A preliminary assessment leads to the conclusion that a number of important indications of convergence are present in national policy arrangements in the field of higher education (in particular student mobility and quality assurance, but less in the structure of higher education systems My attention will be focused on the structure of higher education systems, on quality assurance and on student and teacher mobility. These domains appear to cover most relevant issues pertaining to higher education policies in the European Union member states (funding of higher education is sometimes considered as a separate domain, but it can also be regarded as an element of the structure of higher education systems, while it is also related to the issue of quality assurance).). The European Union, however, does not have much legal authority in the policy sector in question. Thus, an explanation for converging national policies may lie elsewhere, in part in the concept of “institutional isomorphism”.     

Systemic adaptation to a changing environment: Towards a next generation of quality assurance models

Quality assessment has been part of thefeedback mechanisms of European highereducation systems since around 1980. Due tointernal dynamics, `erosion' of theeffectiveness of first-generation qualityassessment systems has led to loss ofcredibility (legitimacy) of these systems inthe late 1990s. External dynamics alsonecessitate designing a next generation ofquality assurance systems. They include notablya loss of transparency (hence, legitimacy) ofthe European higher education system throughincreased internationalisation (most notablythrough the Bologna process) which puts new,increased demands on institutional arrangementsfor quality assurance.In this paper, we first intend to schematisethe developments of quality assurance in highereducation by introducing a phase model of theeffects of internal and external dynamics.Next, we will analyse this phase model from theperspective of argumentative policy inquiry.Finally, we will contrast policy developmentsin higher education with one other example,viz. environmental policy in the Netherlands.The conclusions of this comparison, as well asthe new challenges set for quality assurance inhigher education by the Bologna process, arethe subject matter for the final section of ourpaper.     

Quality assurance in the political context: in the midst of different expectations and conflicting goals

Higher education quality assurance systems develop within a complex political environment where national level goals and priorities interact with European and global developments. Furthermore, quality assurance is influenced by broader processes in the public sector that set expectations with respect to accountability, legitimacy and regulatory quality. As a result, quality assurance systems often face different and even conflicting goals from different parts of society. The traditional goals of securing minimum standards and facilitating improvement within universities are augmented with such goals as providing information to the public, supporting inter-institutional competition and positioning institutions or higher education systems in the global competition. The relative priority of these goals is in a constant change over time. This paper aims to map the main tensions that emerge from the conflicting demands and discusses the extent to which impact evaluation can address some of the difficulties.     

Forum Renewal of higher education in Slovenia with special attention to quality

The paper describes some historical characteristics of Slovenian higher education and the new endeavour to establish a higher education system that will be comparable with other European systems. Special attention is devoted to the care of quality in Slovenian higher education. A draft plan for introducing gradually a system of quality assurance was worked out drawing on foreign experience but adapted to national circumstances and particularities. Higher education in Slovenia comprises two universities, the University of Ljubljana and the University of Maribor, and some free-standing higher education institutions. In such a small higher education system one must introduce flexible and relatively easily feasible quality assurance mechanisms. Evaluation will be reached by research and development from the beginning. It will include development of evaluation methodology, procedures and follow-up the institutional effects of quality assurance.     

欧洲高等教育质量保障模式的形成及启示

欧洲高等教育大众化进程中教育质量的下滑 ,导致了以英国多元评估型、法国中央集权型、比利时二元结构型、荷兰校外评估型为代表的不同的质量保障模式的形成。欧洲国家的经验表明 ,强化质量意识是高等教育大众化的内在要求和一般规律。我国在构建符合中国国情的高等教育质量保障体系时 ,应积极借鉴欧洲发达国家的经验 ,处理好规模、质量和结构三者之间的关系。     

Quality Assurance in Engineering Education: Comparison of Accreditation Schemes and ISO 9001

In recent years, the world of engineering education has been changing rapidly. Emerging communication technologies offer new means of distance education, the job market is getting narrower and increasingly competitive, and numerous stakeholders are concerned about the quality of education the students receive. To offer quality assurance to interested parties and the general public, engineering faculties in the US and Canada undergo accreditation processes, fostered by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology and the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board, which are professional boards. However, some university-level institutions in Europe have turned to the ISO 9000 family of international standards as a framework for quality assurance. This paper provides an outline of these three quality assurance schemes, followed by a comparison of their common elements. It is argued that engineering faculties can establish meaningful ISO 9000 quality systems on the basis of, and integrated with, the accreditation schemes. Finally, recent European initiatives for quality assurance in engineering education are addressed.     

Addressing quality challenges in the private university sector in Bangladesh: from policy formulation to institutional implementation

Private higher education is growing, especially in developing and transitioning countries. Rapid growth frequently comes with concerns about quality. This article explores challenges and opportunities for higher education quality among private universities in Bangladesh. By presenting a vertical case study that explores interactions among actors at the institutional, national and global spheres, the authors argue for the need of developing quality standards that respond to the local realities of developing and transitioning countries. It is also argued that self-regulation among private universities is likely the most effective pathway for improvement. Bangladesh presents an ideal case for analysis given the rapid growth that higher education has experienced in the last 20 years in that country and given the current policy junction as Bangladesh begins to implement a newly developed quality assurance system. Other countries in the region in early stages of developing quality assurance and accountability systems may benefit from the findings of this study.     

欧洲大学内部质量保障体系的构建及评价

欧洲大学自20世纪80年代开始建立质量保障体系,对于提升高等教育质量起到了重要作用。许多大学在界定质量保障体系的内涵、建立校内质量保障机构、制定和实施专业标准等方面积累了丰富的经验。为使大学内部质量保障体系更加完善,欧洲一些国家开始建立科学的评价指标,采取系统的评价程序,实施周期性的现场巡查,提供及时的评价报告和改革建议。     

A strategic quality assurance framework in an African higher education context

This study is based on a pragmatist analysis of selected international accounts on quality assurance in higher education. A pragmatist perspective was used to conceptualise a logical internal quality assurance model to embed and support the alignment of graduate competencies in curriculum and assessment of Ghanaian polytechnics. Through focus group and in-depth interviews, the framework was evaluated by internal stakeholders including lecturers, students and administrators of the polytechnics. It was found that from a pragmatist perspective, quality assurance concepts and practices in higher education reported in the international literature could be used to design a context-specific quality assurance framework for higher education systems in Africa but there will be challenges with implementation of such a framework. The challenges found include quality culture and financial resources. Nonetheless, it was noted that effective planning and stakeholder commitment can surmount the challenges to ensure effective implementation of the framework to enhance quality.     

On the role of impact evaluation of quality assurance from the strategic perspective of quality assurance agencies in the European higher education area

In this paper the current national legislations, the quality assurance approaches and the activities of impact analysis of three quality assurance agencies from Romania, Spain and Germany are described from a strategic perspective. The analysis shows that the general methodologies (comprising, for example, self-evaluation reports, peer reviews, on-site visits, assessment reports, follow-up measures) and main subjects of quality assurance in higher education (such as study programmes and institutional structures and processes) are very similar in the sample cases. However, up to now, impact evaluation of quality assurance has not been implemented systematically in the sample agencies (as in many others). This is the more relevant since the European standards of quality assurance in higher education oblige quality assurance agencies to analyse their general findings and observe the effects of their activities. Against that background, it is argued that methodologically sound impact analyses of quality assurance interventions in higher education institutions should be seen as an integral part of the agencies’ own quality assurance because it would make their work more transparent and easier to improve systematically. The paper identifies some professionalisation needs required for impact evaluation competences: staff and peers who are qualified by methodological knowledge but also by ‘soft’ skills such as project and conflict management.     

Lesjes van de nederlanders: Little lessons from the Dutch to promote educational quality

Using a multisite case study approach, this study explores quality assessment and accountability in Dutch university education. It describes their national system of quality assurance and the various models that are being successfully employed to implement it. It summarizes the range of apparent effects and influences that quality assurance has had on Dutch higher education. Finally, it invites comparison with American higher education to promote speculation about implications for policy and professional practice.     

Qualitative research as a method for making just comparisons of pedagogic quality in higher education: a pilot study

Systems designed to ensure that teaching and student learning are of a suitable quality are a feature of universities globally. Quality assurance systems are central to attempts to internationalise higher education, motivated in part by a concern for greater global equality. Yet, if such systems incorporate comparisons, the tendency is to reflect and reproduce inequalities in higher education. Highlighting the European context, we argue that, if higher education is to play a part in tackling social inequalities, we must seek alternative methods to explore pedagogic quality in institutional settings. The sociologist Basil Bernstein’s concepts of classification and framing provide an illustration of the potential of sociologically informed, qualitative approaches for exploring and improving higher education pedagogy and also for addressing social justice issues: these two concepts are used to analyse documentation about undergraduate sociology in two universities that have quite different reputations within the English and Northern Irish higher education system.     

Why (not) assess? Views from the academic departments of Finnish universities

In Europe, national quality assurance systems of higher education have begun to be established. In Finland, this development has had the consequence of forcing universities to take notice of assessment procedures. However, little is known about the procedures taking place in individual academic departments as a result of this pan‐European trend. This article describes how academics currently comprehend quality assessment, paying particular attention to self‐evaluations and quality assurance systems. Altogether, the paper casts light on how academics are responding to the increasing university assessment activities.     

欧洲高等教育区的学位标准和质量保证准则

传递欧洲高等教育区2005年5月卑尔根会议的信息,即被会议采纳的高等教育学术资格框架和质量保证标准和准则,并对之进行评析;论述标准和准则的重要性,并且对我国的学位条例和质量保证提出评论、质疑和建议。     

研究生教育外部质量保障体系建设思考

介绍我国研究生教育外部质量保障体系的内涵、手段与特点;分析近十年欧洲研究生教育外部质量保障体系的建设目标、实施情况及全面质量保障理论在国外发达国家教育质量保障实践中的应用。文章认为：我国高等教育外部质量保障活动应促进高等教育与国际接轨;评价理论、工具、形式要和具体情境结合;高等质量保障活动应更具体、更有针对性;评价活动的科学性有待进一步分析与验证。     

博洛尼亚进程述论

作为欧洲高等教育改革重大举措的博洛尼亚进程,即欧洲高等教育区建设进程,是在高等教育国际化和欧洲经济政治一体化的背景下产生的.它以建构欧洲高等教育区为目标,旨在加强各成员国之间高等教育的可比性和兼容性,增强欧洲高等教育的吸引力和竞争力,提高欧洲高等教育的质量,重塑欧洲高等教育的辉煌.1999年6月,欧洲29国教育部长共同签署<博洛尼亚宣言>,提出建设欧洲高等教育区的具体构想、行动纲领和工作计划.其后,经过历次会议特别是5次部长峰会的评估和改革,逐步形成"学位体系建设、质量保证、学位互认、促进流动、联合学位、终身学习、社会维度和机会均等、提升就业力、全球化背景下的欧洲高等教育"等新的行动目标,并在学制改革、质量保证、学分互换、学位互认等方面取得明显进展.2007年的伦敦会议明确提出,要建设"全球化背景下欧洲高等教育区".从<索邦宣言>欧洲高等教育区的设想到EHEA的形成规模,从当初的4个发起国到现在的46个成员国,博洛尼亚进程走过了10年,其内容不断丰富,目标日益完善,原则广受认同,且一直处于发展、改革和完善之中,致力于协调进程在各国实施进度的差异、保持进程趋同化发展中的多样性、寻求不同民族和国家在区域性合作和竞争中的平衡.     

Quality and Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training in the Mediterranean Countries: lessons from the European approach

This article reflects on the development of the European approach towards quality and quality assurance in vocational education and training (VET) and its relevance for VET reforms in the European Training Foundation (ETF) partner countries. The analysis is based on an ETF project conducted in 2007-2008 in the Mediterranean partner countries to promote exchanges of information and experience between the decision makers and experts of the countries concerned and within the EU. More precisely, it aims to analyse how quality assurance (QA) initiatives could promote the quality of systems and support best practices already established in the EU and in the Mediterranean region in order to lay the foundations for specific actions at national and regional level. The authors of the article found out that: the tools developed by the EU to quality assure VET systems are relevant for the Mediterranean region. They can serve as a guideline for identifying strategic priorities. However, they do not provide a well-delimited concept to be implemented in the short term. Moreover, these EU tools reflect a new model of governance based on decentralization of responsibilities, autonomy of providers and accountability that may be difficult to implement in Mediterranean countries where VET systems remain very centralised and compartimentalised.     

我国职业教育质量保障体系研究述评

立足发展性视角,我国职业教育质量保障体系的研究主要围绕职业教育质量保障体系的内涵、国别差异、不同办学层次的职业教育质量保障体系、构建策略、职业学校内部教学质量保障体系等方面展开。本文对我国职业教育质量保障体系的研究成果进行梳理,针对研究存在的基础研究薄弱、实证研究匮乏、研究范式单一、研究层面浅显等问题,提出了改进建议。     

超越评估(上)——中国高等教育质量保障体系建设之设想

本文首先回顾了美国和欧洲高等教育质量保障体系发展的历史、现状与问题,然后分析了中国首轮本科教学水平评估的实践与问题,最后,在借鉴欧美经验、联系中国实际基础上,就构建中国高等教育质量保障体系提出一个框架性构想。