1. Qualification Standard (QS) – Status Purposes and Uses
BHQFHE:Final Dissemination Conference University of Tuzla September 2016
Qualification Standard (QS) – Status Purposes and Uses
DEVELOPMENT OF BHQFHE
Slavica Škoro, HEA
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2. What is QS?
One of the crucial element to meet the expectations about the quality and given standards of qualification
Different document in use across Europe
Form usually adopted at the state level, basic building element of QF
QS in BiH introduced with
Action Plan for for the Development and Implementation of the QF in BiH
Qualification Standard means the content and the structure of a qualification
conditions for the acquisition of an official document on a particular qualification
It includes all the data necessary for determining:
the level of qualification (1-8),
minimal number of ECTS points,
profile of a qualification, as well as,
information necessary for quality assurance of qualifications.
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3. The role of QS Common standards/ guidelines for qualifications
Crucial for curriculum development/ design/validation – starting point with instructions for development of SP
Important for recognition
LO – the most useful way to express qualification
Starting basis for developing module/ courses desrcriptions
overall outcomes of the qualification – goals to be achieved by the SP
Element of QA of SP –allows the LM to recognise what a holder of qualificaton knows and can do – establishes trust between all stakeholders and ensures recognition of the qualification
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4. Content of QS 1.Basic characteristics of the qualification:
Title – generic and subject specific
Minimum volume
Level
Entry routes to SP for achievement of the qualification
2. Learning outcomes
LO on the level of SP/qualification
LO hierarchically organised into logical groups/units ( should consist of not too small, neither too large number of statements (5 to 10); additonal information, ECTS, exam criteria...
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5. Content of QS 3. Relevance of the qualification LM
Further study/mobility
Other requirements
4. Quality assurance ( names of expert group members, other relevant information to briefly document the process of creation of QS)
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6. Role of stakeholders in development of QS and QA
QS informs all interested parties of what is offered and required: transparent guidence for the design of SP
To ensure quality of QS by involvement of all key stakeholders in design, consultation, development, validation or even implementation
HEIs – conduct or initiate the process
employers/representatives of profession –the relevance of LO for LM, transparency of QS
Academics and students - the correctness of writing of LO; linkage between LO and assessment criteria, ECTS etc.
Policy makers and students –effectiveness, soustainability and transparency of QA
LO should be clear and understood by all : academics, employers, agencies for QA and policy makers, students....
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7. Role of QS in development of SP
SP are the key elements in the qualificaton system
Should be based on the respective QS
QS contains elements required for SP development and facilitates programme development
It starts from the overall LO intended to be achieved
The key steps are related to the identification and development of LO at both the SP level and module/ courses level
QS prescribes only minimum requirements
Additional element of QA in development of SP
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8. QS and quality assurance
QA – essential component for ensuring reliability, credibility and transparency
Two perspectives:
Quality assurance of QS
Effects of QS on QA of SP and HEIs
QA - System and procedures applied to preserve the agreed standards and their constant improvement.
Necessary to ensure accountability and improvement of HE
Common principles for quality assurance (9) – Recommendation on EQF
Standards and guidelines for QA in the EHEA
reference document
ESG adopted 2005 and revised 2015 ( Ministerial Conference in Yerevan)
fully harmonized to the EQF common principles
Internal, external QA and quality assurance agencies
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9. QS and QA of SP and HEIs
Integrated with existing internal/external quality assurance systems
The method of development and implementation of QS should be harmonised with internal/external QA systems.
The process of development and evaluation of SP should be based on QS
The SP should be designed in line with quality assurance principles -ESG
Link between QS and ESG
1.2. Design and approval of programmes
„ Institutions should have processes for the design and approval of their programmes. The programmes should be designed so that they meet the objectives set for them, included the intended LO. The qualification resulting from a programme should be clearly specified and communicated and refer to the correct level of the NQF for the HE and, consequently, to the FQ of the EHEA“
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10. Thank you for your attention. Slavica Škoro, HEA slavica. skoro@hea
Thank you for your attention ! Slavica Škoro, HEA
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