New Approaches to quality assurance in the changing world of higher education A quality culture – embedding QA into the life of the institution By Gabi Baramki

Higher Education as a key for development Development is comprehensive That includes economic, industrial, scientific, agricultural as well as cultural development Higher Education in the broadest sense is the key to development In the world of globalization the room for advancement lies in the ability of countries to understand how to make the best use of their resources - both human and natural.

Why Quality Assurance The expansion of higher education in the region The relationship between expansion and quality The need for Quality Assurance Standardization and help in student and teacher mobility

Quality Assurance Agencies Establishment of Agencies, Commissions or Committees for QA Nature of these bodies – mostly governmental Palestinian exception – Non=governmental nature of TEI’s Human Resources not sufficient – qualified or adequately trained.

The Palestinian Experience Political and Economic challenges Difficulties may be common with other regions Government in charge of QA Qualified personnel - availability in the country and visa difficulties from outside

Palestinian Experience – cont’d International standards set at least in Europe and the USA Internal review by the institution External review by the QA body (Agency or Commission) Reporting & Documentation Follow-up procedures on regular basis Execution of decisions of the Agency

Difficulties in meeting Standards Resistance of TEI’s to comply Pressure from Government or concerned parties Financial pressures.

Quality Assurance in Palestine Setting standards in spite of difficulties AQAC set up QA units set up in TEI’s Training and workshops Funding as incentive to Quality

Quality Improvement Fund (QIF) Support of World Bank and European Union Competitive nature of QIF Quality of programs and relevance to labor market Internal QA unit in each TEI revitalized Faculty more involved Technical and Vocational Colleges involved Culture of Quality as a daily affair

A Regional Network of QA Agencies - ANQAHE QA agencies rather a recent phenomenon in the region AQAC and others need support from International networks – INQAAHE Exchange of ideas, benchmarking and HR Establishment of ANQAHE in June 2007 as a non- governmental organization (see report by Prof. Nadia Badawi) A major achievement

Challenges Encountered in Emerging ANQAHE Five (of 9) challenges in Prof. Badawi’s presentation (San Diego: Feb 2008) 1.Financial constraints specially in the foundation period 2.Lack of professional quality assurance expertise 3.Communication deficiencies with the QA bodies in different countries 4.Professional intervention and domination of the State 5.The stature of the Network: should it be governmental of independent?

Effect on Quality of Higher Education Credibility of QA local agency will create confidence in HE institutions Better implementation of QA directives by the institutions Programs and degrees will be of the required international standards Mobility of students and faculty is enhanced Mobility gas a direct effect on the quality of the institutions

Culture of Quality in Higher Education Establishing the tradition of quality Time is of the essence Importance of ANQAHE and INQAAHE Developing local expertise is the key to keep the inertia of striving for excellence