Has the quality of teaching and learning processes improved as a result of the implementation of quality assurance coordinated by the state?

Abstract

Faced with the rapid pace of knowledge expansion, higher education institutions are challenged to raise the efficacy of student education, overcoming the traditionally rigid teaching-centred approach, and shifting the focus instead towards learning, while preparing competent professionals who are able to self-manage knowledge. This paper outlines the impact that quality assurance processes have had on teaching and learning processes from the perspectives of their main stakeholders: students, teachers and academic authorities. The study was carried out in three private higher education institutions of Argentina identified as having introduced certain changes focusing on quality in the education process. Arguably, a higher degree of empowerment of institutional authorities has been noted regarding teaching management and greater attention is being paid to teaching modes; however, the paper concludes that it is still early to ascertain the direct impact that these transformations will have on learning outcomes.

Keywords:

• Quality assurance processes and their impacts
• changes in teaching management
• changes in learning process and outcomes
• private higher education institutions of Argentina
• perceptions of students, academics and higher education institution management

Notes

1. The University Council is made up by seven representatives of the Executive Committee of the National Inter-University Council (CIN), seven representatives from the Executive Committee of the Private University Presidents Council (CRUP), one representative from each of the seven Regional Councils of Higher Education Planning (CPRES) and one representative from the Federal Education Council (CFE). It is chaired by the Minister of Education.

2. The principal investigator, María José Lemaitre, has provided her assistant consent.