Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in Higher Education in Africa (ASG-QA)

Presented at:

Tuning Africa Phase II 5th General Meeting

Brussels 13-15 October 2017

Presenter: Prof. Youhansen Eid Technical Working Group (TWG)

Contents

• Why Harmonized African QA

• The ASG-QA – Purpose

– Principles and Methodologies

– Drafting the document

• .What Next

Why Harmonised Quality Assurance System in Africa?

• The AU in Agenda 2063 – “the Africa We Want” - has called for harmonisation and strengthening of quality of HE in Africa – make it locally relevant and globally competitive.

• Africa’s Heads of States and Governments have expressed their

commitment to setting up a mechanism for harmonization of quality assurance processes and mechanisms – ensure comparable HE.

• AUC is therefore promoting harmonisation of QA in HE in Africa in

collaboration with AAU with support of EU.

Why Harmonised Quality Assurance System in Africa?

• Harmonisation:

– Does not mean uniform system for each country

– It is having shared views on quality, criteria, and standards in an equivalent way.

– Basis for continental QA Framework

What are ASG-QA?

• Set of standards and guidelines for internal and external QA in Africa

• Standards are stated as common minimum standards or requirements.

• Guidelines are stated in more specific terms to allow for collection of evidence in support of the status of quality at HEIs and QAAs.

• Benchmarked with existing standards and guidelines, but contextualised

• Not prescriptive – mechanism for quality enhancement in HEIs and QAAs

• Not exhaustive – adapt to suit context.

• Are applied taking into account existing qualification frameworks (QFs) and credit accumulation and transfer systems (CATS).

• Are broad enough to allow for diversity, yet safeguarding comparability.

• Will apply to all types of HEIs in Africa, irrespective of mode of delivery and QAA.

• Examples of best practice

• Three Parts:

Part A

Part B

Part C

Internal QA (IQA) of HEIs (including QA for ODL)

Internal QA (QAA)

External QA (EQA)

NB: The 3 parts are interlinked and together form the basis for an African Quality Assurance Framework.

What are ASG-QA?

Inter-linkage

ASG-QA

Part A

IQA

Part B

EQA

Part C

QAAs

Internal

Used by HEIs: - To assure own quality - When doing self-evaluation for quality enhancement

External

Used by QAAs: - When conducting institutional audit or programme accreditation at HEIs

Internal Used by QAAs: -To assure own quality - When doing self-evaluation in preparation of EQA

Purpose of ASG-QA

• The ASG-QA will support HEIs and QAAs in Africa in implementing good practices for QA; and specifically to:

• Have a common framework and understanding of QA among stakeholders – at continental, regional, and national levels.

• Develop mutual trust – facilitate recognition and mobility of students and human resources.

• Ensure quality improvement/enhancement through self-assessment, external review and continuous M&E.

• Promote a sustainable quality culture in HEIs.

• Promote international competitiveness of Africa’s HE system.

• Promote transparency and accountability by providing appropriate information to the public.

Principles and Methodologies

Principles

• Quality and QA are primarily the responsibility of HEIs.

• The autonomy, identity and integrity of HEIs are acknowledged and respected.

• HEIs and QAAs can adapt the standards and guidelines to their HE system and context.

• Based on common principles of QA and the existing standards and guidelines of HE already in use in African Countries.

Methodologies

• Subjected to consultation for acceptability

• Benchmarked with best practices

Technical Working Group - Drafting Team

• Drafted by a Technical Working Group (TWG of HAQAA)

– Northern, Eastern, Western, Southern, and Central Africa.

– European Higher Education Area ( EHEA) – Technical support

– European Association of Association for QA in HE (ENQA) – Coordination

– Advisory Board of HAAQA Initiative (AU) - Provides regular advise and support

• Language representation in English and translated into all 3 languages – French, Portuguese, Arabic

Drafting Process

Investigation of existing standards, guidelines and related initiatives

Face to Face meetings and drafting by members between meetings. (Namibia 9/ 16 –

Ghana01/17 – Egypt04/17; Belgium 09/17 – Belgium; November 17 - Ethiopia

Presentations in several international conference

A wide online consultation in summer 2017

Analysis of feedback

A lot of work in between meetings

On Line Consultation

• Distributed widely, mainly through the AU in June 2017

• Draft document and surveys were available in 4 languages

• Responses from over 310 participants on the survey

• Responses from over 40 countries

• Feedback was analyzed carefully and taken into consideration while revising the second draft.

Stages of Development

1st Draft

• May 2017 produced in 4 Languages

• On line consultation

2nd Draft

• Finalized September 2017

• Consultation November 2017

3rd Draft

• January 2018

• Used to develop QA agency review model

• Agencies reviews

Part A - IQA Standards and Guidelines for Internal Quality Assurance (for HEIs)

• HEIs have the responsibility for QA, include ODL. Address:

1. Vision, Mission and Strategic Objectives

2. Governance and Management

3. Human Resources

4. Design, Approval and Monitoring of Study Programmes

5. Teaching, Learning and Assessment

6. Infrastructure and Facilities

7. Student Recruitment, Admission, Certification and Support Services

8. Research and Innovation

9. Community Engagement

10. Information Management

11. Public Communication

12. Collaboration, Staff and Student Mobility

13. Financial Resource Management

Working Document - Part A: IQA Zero Document – Part A: IQA Draft 1 – Part A: IQA

1. Vision, Mission, and Goals Objectives 1. Vision, Mission, and Strategic Objectives 1. Vision, Mission, and Strategic Objectives

2. Planning and Strategic Development (Policy Plan)

2. Governance and Administration 2. Governance and Administration

3. Governance and Administration 3. Human Resources 3. Human Resources

4. Human Resources (Academic Staff / Teaching Staff)

4. Pre-testing or Piloting of Learning Materials

4. Design, Approval and Monitoring of Programmes

5. Design and Approval of Academic Programmes 5. Design and Approval of Programmes 5. Teaching, Active Learning and Assessment

6. Teaching and Learning 6. Teaching, Active Learning and Assessment

6. Infrastructure and Facilities

7. Facilities and Infrastructure 7. Infrastructure Facilities and Students’ Support Services

7. Student Recruitment, Admission, Support Services and Certification

8. Linkage with Industry 8.. Student recruitment, admission, progression and certification

8. Research and Innovation

9. Student Recruitment and Admission 9. Postgraduate Studies, Research and Innovation

9. Community Engagement

10. Student Support Service 10. Community Engagement 10. Information Management

11. Student Assessment 11. Information Management 11. Public Communication

12. Management of Postgraduate Studies 12. Advertising and Public Communication 12. Cooperation, Staff and Student Mobility

13. Research and Innovation 13. Cooperation, Staff and Student Mobility 13. Financial Resource Management

14. Community Engagement 14. Financial Resource Management

15. Information Management

16. Collaboration (Internationalization)

17. Institutional Quality Assurance Management System (IQMS)/ Monitoring and Evaluation)

18. Institutional Integrity & Ethos

19. Financial Resources Management

Part B: EQA

Standards and Guidelines for External Quality Assurance

HEIs subject themselves to periodic external assessment

(Accountability and enhancement of quality).

1. Objectives of EQA and Consideration for IQA

2. Designing External Quality Assurance Mechanisms Fit-for-Purpose

3. Implementation Processes of EQA

4. Independence of Evaluation

5. Decision and Reporting of EQA Outcomes

6. Periodic Review of Institutions and Programmes

7. Complaints and Appeals

Working Document - Part B: EQA Zero Document – Part B: EQA Draft 1 – Part B: EQA

1. Principles of EQA 1. Objectives of EQA and Consideration for IQA

1. Objectives of EQA and Consideration for IQA

2. Mission (EQA Policy)) 2. Designing Mechanisms Fit-For- Purpose

2. Designing Mechanisms Fit-For- Purpose

3. Objectives of EQA 3. Implementation Processes of EQ

3. Implementation Processes of EQ

4. Designing Methodologies fit-for-purpose (Standards and Guidelines and Processes foe EQA)

4. Independence of Evaluation

4. Independence of Evaluation

5. Implementation Processes (Consideration of IQA)

5. Decision and Reporting of EQA Outcomes

5. Decision and Reporting of EQA Outcomes

6. Independence of Evaluation (Use of Peer Review Experts)

6. Periodic Review of Institutions and Programmes

6. Periodic Review of Institutions and Programmes

7. Decisions of EQA Activities (Outcomes) 7. Complaints and Appeals

7. Complaints and Appeals

8. Reporting of EQA Activities (Disclosure)

9. Periodic Review of Institutions and Programmes

10. Complaints and Appeals

11. Coherence of National and Regional Policies and Practices

Part C: QAAS

Standards and Guidelines for Internal Quality Assurance of QAAs

(Self-assessment of policies, practices, procedures, activities)

(External assessment of the same).

1. Legal Status

2. Vision and Mission Statement

3. Policies, Processes and Activities

4. Financial and Human Resources

5. Independence of QAA

6. Internal Quality Assurance Criteria and Processes

7. Benchmarking, Networking and Collaboration

8. Periodic Review of QAAs

Working Document - Part C: QAA Zero Document – Part BC QAA Draft 1 – Part BC QAA

1. Legal Status of QAA (Official Status) 1. Policies, Processes and Activities of Quality Assurance Agency

1. Legal Status

2. Mission Statement and Governance 2. Legal Status

2. Vision and Mission Statement

3. Resources 3. Vision and Mission Statement

3. Policies, Processes and Activities of Quality Assurance Agency

4. Independence of QAA 4. Financial and Human Resources

4. Financial and Human Resources

5. External Quality Assurance Criteria and Processes used by QAA (Thematic Analysis)

5. Independence of QAA

5. Independence of QAA

6. Activities for Quality Assurance 6. Internal Quality Assurance Criteria and Processes Used by QAA

6. Internal Quality Assurance Criteria and Processes Used by QAA

7. Periodic and Institutional and Programme Review

7. Benchmarking, Networking and Collaboration

7. Benchmarking, Networking and Collaboration

8. Accountability (Internal Quality Assurance and Professional Conduct)

8. Periodic Review of QAAs

8. Periodic Review of QAAs

9. External Review of QAA

10. Benchmarking , Networking and Collaboration

Examples - IQA

Standard 9: Community Engagement Standard The institution shall encourage engagement in community outreach programmes as part of its social responsibility. Guidelines A higher education institution is not only responsible for teaching and research, but it is also responsible for serving society. The institution ensures that community engagement activities are conducted within institutional policies and strategies that facilitate collaboration between the institution and their larger communities (local, national, regional, continental and global) for a mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity. For the benefit of society,

For the benefit of society, community engagement should:

a) Enrich scholarship, research, and creative activity;

b) Enhance curriculum, teaching and learning;

c) Facilitates preparation of educated and engaged citizens;

d) Strengthen democratic values and civic responsibility;

e) Address critical societal issues and contribute to public good; and Ensure there are mechanisms for partnering with other stakeholders in the community for sustainable development.

Examples - IQA

Examples: EQA

Standard 2. Designing Mechanisms Fit-For-Purpose

Standard Standards, guidelines and processes for external quality assurance shall be fit-for-purpose, defined to achieve the intended aims and objectives of EQA, and to strengthen IQA systems at institutions. Guidelines It is necessary that standards, guidelines, and processes developed and implemented by institutions and QAA are done in consultation with stakeholders in order to address all academic activities of the higher education system and for acceptability. The standards include:

– Standards and guidelines for periodic/cyclical programme; accreditation/evaluation/assessment/audit; and

– Standards and guidelines for periodic/cyclical institutional accreditation/evaluation/assessment/audit.

Examples: QAA

Standard 5. Independence of QAA

Standard

The QAA shall be independent and autonomous in its operations, outcomes, judgements and decisions.

Guidelines

The QAA make independent decisions and judgements that are not subject to change by third parties. Independence of an agency includes the following:

a) Organisational independence - demonstrated by official documentation, such as legislative acts or statutes and instruments of governance, that stipulate the independence of the agency’s work from third parties (e.g. HEIs, governments, other stakeholders).

b) Operational independence - the definitions and operations of the agency’s procedures and methods, nomination and appointment of qualified external experts (including the provision of no objection).

c) Independence of formal outcomes – the final decision of quality assurance activity remains the responsibility of the QAA even if experts / peers are involved in the quality assurance activity.

What Next

• Consultation Workshop November 2017 • Finalization of the ASG-QA • Plan for implementation and dissemination • To be submitted ted to AUC for adoption. • TWG will develop a model for external review of QAAs based on ASG-QA. • Cover the following elements:

– Protocol for reviews – Nomination and appointment of panels of experts – Self-assessment by QAAs – External review by site visit

Challenges Faced During Drafting Process • Incorporation of ODL • The number of standards • Avoiding too much details • Translation challenges • Addressing all comments • Ownership

Drafting Team

Implementation Team

Thank you and God bless.