Self-review is one of the best ways for a tertiary education organisation (TEO) to understand and improve its educational performance and quality.
Self-review uses data, evidence and a systematic process. It allows TEOs to examine the performance of their organisation and identify its strengths and weaknesses.
It aims to inform decision-making, practices in the TEO, and ways to keep improving.
How to do effective self-review
We don't prescribe how TEOs conduct self-review.
Self-review is a flexible, scalable, fit-for-purpose process. What self-review looks like in practice will depend on:
- the size of a TEO
- the quality assurance systems and practices it already has
- its overall educational goals and purposes.
Your process should be comprehensive, authentic, transparent and robust. You can focus on the following aspects.
Preparation
The process of planning out how a TEO will conduct self-review, and who needs to be involved.
Systematic data gathering
The intentional and methodical gathering of quality evidence (including qualitative and quantitative data) from a range of sources available to a TEO.
Outcomes
What is being achieved and the value for learners, employers and the wider community.
Needs assessment
The extent to which TEOs systematically determine and address the needs of learners, employers and the wider community.
Processes and practices
The processes and practices that help to achieve outcomes.
For example, the primary importance of good teaching, or the role of effective learner support services.
Learner achievement
The impact of educational provision on learner progress and achievement.
Using what is learned
Evidence-based conclusions and decision-making that will feed into strategic and business planning, leading to continuous, positive change.
Actual improvement
The extent to which improvements are relevant and worthwhile.
Learner voice
Working to understand and respond to a range of learner voices to enhance the quality of education and training delivered.
Stakeholder engagement
Working with internal and external stakeholders, such as community and industry, to ensure that education and training delivered meets their needs.