Institutional data to inform program quality

What would happen if we continued to do the same thing in our programs each year with each successive cohort of students? While it may be possible to have improved student outcomes, it may not be very likely. Each year society changes, technology advances and students arrive at our institutions with expectations often different from students of previous years. Consequently, we need to regularly review our courses and units in order to remain relevant to our students.

You are no doubt aware that your institution's policies require you to review courses and units on a regular basis. In fact, Domain 5 in the Higher Education Qualifications Framework sets out the requirements to ensure institutional quality assurance. Undertaking these regular reviews provides an opportunity to enhance programs and units and to respond to stakeholder feedback 

In 2011, Shah and Nair demonstrated that student experience and high satisfaction were founded on a number of connecting factors that included “adequate and reliable learning infrastructure and resources, quality of teaching staff, unit design which enables student attainment of generic skills, quality management of student assessments and issues around administrative matters such as timetabling, admissions and enrolments” (p. 15). Therefore, it is the sum of the overall student experience that is important.

What is your role in assurance?

As academic staff, we have a role to ensure that our courses and units meet the needs of our stakeholders. In some cases, courses and units are reviewed and redesigned to meet their emerging needs. The ongoing cyclical processes of evaluation and course enhancement are essential steps in these processes. Throughout this module, activities have involved writing down reflections. It is recommended that you keep these reflections for ongoing professional development.