Quality Assurance at Makerere University

1. Quality Assurance at Makerere University A presentation by Prof Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza 1st Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Makerere University) 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future"

2. Quality Assurance? 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future" Process establishing and implementing mechanisms which ensure that outcomes of institutional activities are of a prescribed standard. Activities: training, research and knowledge transfer partnerships

3. Quality Management 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future" Quality management refers to all the processes that are in place to facilitate achievement of quality in an institution.

4. Guideline 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future" It is the quality improvement dimensions rather than simple confirmation of meeting minimum standards that offer the greatest benefit to stakeholders The best programmes can be made better and continuous improvement is a distinguishing feature of re-knowned IHE

5. Session Objective 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future" Information Giving – the Quality of Training and of Support Services offered to students Confidence Building – assure stakeholders that Mak is alive to the need for continuous improvement

6. Why Media? 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future" Media reporting on HE provides a platform for debate and reflection on current issues concerning the public – QA Media complements more formal channels of communication within the sector and between the sector and policy makers

7. Media? 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future" Media connects people working in HE and people interested in d sector - publics Channel thru which HE stakeholders and consumers can participate and be informed

8. Meeting Focus 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future" Mechanisms being implemented to ensure quality training and quality of services which support training

9. Focus on 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future" Teaching and Learning Constitute the core of what Mak promises her largest group of stakeholders – students.

10. SPlan 2008/9-2018/9 Defines the direction Mak will follow to meet the changing needs of a global market by providing quality higher education. 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future"

11. Teaching Under the function of teaching and learning our goal is to improve relevance and quality of training. 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future"

12. Objective Continually improve the quality of instructional materials required for knowledge delivery Continually improve modes of knowledge delivery Provide an environment that is conducive to learner centred pedagogy. 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future"

13. The QA Policy June 2007 approved a Quality Assurance Policy. Documentation of (current) practices New mechanisms developed – changed environ, new expectations One stop document Monitoring and evaluation 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future"

14. Policy 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future" Places great emphasis on teaching. Teaching constitutes the core of what Mak promises her largest group of stakeholders – students.

15. Implementation Adopted strategies for improving programe design and delivery. Strategies are entrenched in Mak’s decision to shift from a teacher to a learner centred pedagogy. 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future"

16. Delivery Acknowledge an important change in Higher Education – the academia are being held accountable for how well they do their job. Introduced Quality Assurance mechanisms aimed at promoting improved performance by teachers such as: 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future"

17. Examples Periodic evaluation/appraisal of teaching staff by students. Evaluation/observation of teaching staff by peers. Skilling of academia in knowledge delivery (pedagogical training) 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future"

18. Evaluation of academia 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future" Evaluation is a method of gathering data and using the data to effectively change the way we approach the class room experience. Appraisal must be from different vantage points i.e. students and colleagues/peers because each offers a unique perspective.

19. Goal of Appraisal? • Should be promotion of improved performance • Appraisal of teaching: Improve teaching and learning 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future"

20. 1. Evaluation by students. 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future" Of instructor • Knowledgeable, competent? • Effective communicator • Improved students’ capacity for independent learning?

21. Evaluation by students 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future" Of course content • Relevant to students’ career prospects? • Delivery Methods – encourage critical thinking?

22. 2.Peer Evaluation 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future" Peer observation of teaching has become a feature of university practice over last decade Aim is to raise teaching quality thru sharing good practice Supports continuing professional development thru peer learning Training for peer observation to be provided Draft tool ready

23. Feedback 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future" Confidentiality in feedback to d individual Emphasis is on development rather than judgement Goal of appraisal should be promotion of improved performance Institutional responsibility to support staff Individual responsibility to take advantage of opportunities

24. Acceptability 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future" The foundation upon which the evaluation system rests. Unless the program has the support of those involved, it is likely to fail. To soften resistance the mechanisms been piloted- improve applicability and then up-scale. Vet Med; Law; Science; FCIT

25. Pilots 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future" Piloting allows for gaining of experience in implementing processes Also stimulates new thinking Challenges – Lactro Dara Machine to read information, ease analysis

26. Environment 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future" Improved performance of an individual is not viable without a supporting environment. Introduced strategies to deal with factors external to the individual academic e.g. efforts to revamp the state of laboratories thru asset financing/leasing of Equipment, IT support; training in pedagogy etc

27. 3. Skilling academia 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future" Pedagogical training • Course Planning and writing curriculum • Learning goals and outcomes • Course alignment • Instructional strategies: encouraging student centred pedagogy • Student Assessment: how will u know that the students have learned

28. Skilling Academia 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future"

29. Curriculum Design Aware that society is dynamic and its expectations of what a graduate should be able to do are ever changing. Alive to fact that the success of our graduates in securing and holding employment is based on the quality of training received. Consultation is key to curriculum design and review. 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future"

30. Consultation 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future" Key question is: what are the needs of the learners and society and employers? “What do you want graduates of your program to have learned? What should the graduates of the program have learned or accomplished ?

31. Curriculum Review 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future" New programmes should be reviewed involving external input after the first cohort of graduates have completed their studies and thereafter periodically. A mandatory review of academic Programmes involving external input, after every three years.

32. Information Technology (Environment) Quality education has traditionally been associated with a teacher having regular personal contact with learners. Now know that the use of Information Technology in education is an efficient way of promoting student-centered learning. Mak has (through (DICTS) provided a network point at every workplace linking over 60 buildings. 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future"

33. Beyond Also provided network access beyond the formal class environment by rolling out wireless hotspots in the student halls of residence on the main campus. To work out an access strategy with owners of privately owned hostels. Enhance utilization of Information Technology and avail students (and staff) a library beyond physical space. 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future"

34. E-Learning • Makerere’s E-learning Policy embedded in the Master ICT Policy • Goal is to improve quality of graduates by utilising modern instructional materials and methods including ICT in teaching 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future"

35. Field Attachment A Quality Assurance strategy Makerere will over the next 10 years create strategic linkages with industry and the public sector in offering experiential learning 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future"

36. over the next 10 years Experiential learning stimulates creative and independent thinking among learners. One of the tools we will employ is the training of students thru “Field Attachment”, known in some circles as Industrial Training, Internships or Community Based Education. 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future"

37. Define Field-based practical training carried out by staff and students for the purpose of teaching and/or research in places outside the University control (host institutions). Recognition by stakeholders in HE that conventional education is no longer adequate in today’s environment and that practical training is invaluable to the quality of university training. 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future"

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40. We know That in addition to critical thinking based on “scientific” theory, students must be enabled to translate the theory into practice. Thus approved a policy which obliges all academic units to integrate FA into their programmes’ curricula. (2006) FA is a pre-requisite for any university award. 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future"

41. commitment Successful running of FA depends on the commitment of the various stakeholders in the partnerships: the university; students; the academia placement/host organisations. 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future"

42. All Benefit Commitment is based on the fact that each of the key stakeholders benefits from the arrangement. 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future"

43. hosts organisations Opportunity to be involved in the training of potential employees - (private industries, local and central government departments etc), Potential employers are enabled to voice their ideas about the competencies they would find useful in a graduate. The University-Private/Public Sector linkages enable the various “consumers” of the University “products” to participate in curricula development and review. 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future"

44. Further FA is a form of exposure to a pool of potential employees and can serve as a possible recruitment conduit for organisations. Could ultimately reduce the costs of induction of new employees. Interaction between the industry and the academia can lead to collaboration in research in areas of vested interest to the organisation. 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future"

45. university and academia FA offers opportunities for staff to generate joint research activities with industry Opportunity to appreciate field situations that will generate information for curricula improvement. Relevancy and value of d university become more visible to society 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future"

46. University FA is an opportunity for Makerere to access training facilities and resources not available at the university. Also enables the university to appreciate client demands and the quality of graduate required to fulfil these demands – it generates information for curricula improvement. 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future"

47. Students FA offers opportunity to meet and work with potential employers - bringing students out of the world of theory into the real world. Students enabled to understand people and the work environment and this is effective preparation for the market place. 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future"

48. Students Offers students opportunity to apply theory to real-life problem solving situations - students acquire new knowledge, practical experiences and skills. Such experience improves the students’ confidence in problem solving. 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future"

49. Nation FA is beneficial to the Nation Ensure that professionals in diverse fields are trained in a community setting. CBT ensures that the University gives back to the community - univ undertakes problem based training and research and thus deals with the priority needs of communities. Community Based training often instils a spirit of service, volunteerism/nationalism into young people. 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future"

50. Conclusion 13th May, 2010 "We Build for the Future" Both Makerere and the Media have public responsibility roles Crucial that Mak feeds d Media with information Enable Media connect Makerere with people interested in d institution.