A New generation of external quality assurance dynamics of change and innovative approaches

Author(s)
Martin, Michaela; Uvalic-Trumbic, Stamenka
Languages
English
Series
New trends in higher education
Year
2021
Pages
112
ISBN
978-92-803-1439-7
Level
Tertiary education

Online version

About the publication

Over the past three decades, the development of quality assurance (QA) systems has become one of the most important higher education reforms worldwide. Beginning in the mid-1980s, most countries started to set up national QA agencies. A common QA model, consisting of a combination of self-assessment and peer review of study programmes and/or higher education institutions and based on pre-established standards and quality criteria, has emerged under the influence of international cooperation. At the beginning of the 21st century, EQA has faced a number of challenges and undergone transformations. Increasing criticism has been levelled at the often-bureaucratic approaches taken to the process elements of EQA. This publication takes stock of innovative approaches that have emerged as a response to these criticisms. It therefore provides guidance to the QA community in higher education on how to adapt QA to a rapidly changing sector.