Learning outcomes as subject matter of external quality assurance. The Hague / 29 October 2015 / Dietlinde Kastelliz

Transcription

1 Learning outcomes as subject matter of external quality assurance The Hague / 29 October 2015 / Dietlinde Kastelliz

2 Presentation outline Legal provisions Types of external quality assurance in Austria Learning outcomes in different EQA procedures in Austria Conclusions AQ Austria / / Seite 2

3 Legal provisions University of Applied Sciences Studies Act (FHStG) Universities Act 2002 (UG) Private Universities Act (PUG) Act on Quality Assurance in Higher Education (HS-QSG) AQ Austria / / Seite 3

4 HS-QSG Initial accreditation of a degree programme at a University of Applied Sciences or a Private University Audit of the internal quality management system at a Public University or a University of Applied Sciences Initial and Re-Accreditation of a Private University Learning outcomes are explicitely mentioned in the paragraph on the assessment areas for degree programmes in the regulations on programme accreditation for Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) and Private Universities. AQ Austria / / Seite 4

5 Accreditation of study programmes Requirements (assessment criteria) Clear definition of qualification objectives of degree programme; Suitable contents, structure and scope of teaching methods; Workload feasibility in specified study period; Suitable methods of examination; Contribution of work placements for achievement of learning outcomes (UAS). AQ Austria / / Seite 5

6 Preparing for the accreditation of a degree programme at a UAS (I) 3. (1) FHStG Universities of Applied Sciences and institutions offering University of Applied Sciences degree programmes shall offer degree programmes at university level, providing a scientifically rigorous professional education. Their main objectives shall be: 1. Ensuring a practice-oriented education at university level; 2. Imparting the ability to solve problems in the respective profession according to the state of the art and the current and future practical requirements; [ ] Provide scientifically sound and practice-oriented education at a higher education level. AQ Austria / / Seite 6

7 Preparing for the accreditation of a degree programme at a UAS (II) Defining learning outcomes Requirements of the professional field Demand analysis Definition of fields of activity, positions and tasks Development of the curriculum Development team with relevant academic and professional qualification Elaboration of a didactic concept Teaching methods Assessment methods AQ Austria / / Seite 7

8 Preparing for the accreditation of a degree programme at a UAS (III) Requirements (assessment criteria: internal quality assurance) Regular enhancement process Degree programme Study conditions Programme organisation Involvement of All relevant groups External experts Students AQ Austria / / Seite 8

9 Preparing for the accreditation of a degree programme at a UAS (IV) Summary The higher education institution has to provide evidence for the topics previously mentioned. Learning outcomes are a core topic in the initial accreditation of a degree programme. External quality assurance in the form of initial programme accreditation covers the assessment of intended learning outcomes. Internal quality management at a higher education institution shall provide for ways to monitor the assessment of the extent of achievement of the intended learning outcomes. AQ Austria / / Seite 9

10 Audit of the internal quality management system (I) Requirements (assessment standards) The higher education institution has defined objectives and pursues a strategy which is systematically supported by management tools. The quality management system supports the higher education institution in achieving its objectives. The QMS uses evaluations procedures, monitoring and information systems as integral components. The QMS is based on the quality approach of the higher education institution and provides for the involvement of various interest groups. AQ Austria / / Seite 10

11 Audit of the internal quality management system (II) Curriculum (further) development Degree programme and its relation with the aims and objectives of a higher education Different tools and support services Regular monitoring of different aspects Regular review of a degree programme AQ Austria / / Seite 11

12 Audit of the internal quality management system (III) Summary The learning outcomes themselves are not assessed, but the internal quality management system of a higher education institution. The higher education institution itself provides evidence that it has processes in place to define and to assess learning outcomes (and all the steps inbetween). External quality assurance in the form of the audit covers the internal quality management of a higher education institution. Internal quality management at a higher education institution shall provide for ways to monitor the assessment the extent of achievement of the intended learning outcomes. AQ Austria / / Seite 12

13 Some conclusions The assessment whether and to which extent certain learning outcomes have been achieved by the individual student is a task of the higher education institution respectively the specific degree programme. The institution bears the main responsibility for the quality of its activities. External quality assurance assures whether and how a higher education institution has defined learning outcomes and how it deals with them. It does not control the output. AQ Austria / / Seite 13

14 Contact Agency for Quality Assurance and Accreditation Austria Renngasse 5, A-1010 Wien Tel: dietlinde.kastelliz@aq.ac.at AQ Austria / / Seite 14

15 Institutional re-accreditation at a Private University (I) Requirements (assessment criteria) Institutional level Programme level Clear definition of qualification objectives of degree programme; Suitable contents, structure and scope of teaching methods; Workload allowance in specified study period; Suitable methods of examination. Internal quality assurance. AQ Austria / / Seite 15

16 Institutional re-accreditation at a Private University (II) Assessment of learning outcomes Intended Achieved Check of final theses Efficiency of internal quality assurance AQ Austria / / Seite 16