This paper proposes a training model for raters, with the goal to improve the intra- and inter-consistency of evaluation quality for higher education curricula. The model, termed the learning, behaviour and reaction (LBR) circular training model, is an interdisciplinary application from the business and organisational training domain. The…

The use of external examiners in the doctoral assessment process is seen as a quality assurance process in most higher education systems. This article suggests that the selection of examiners is a critical aspect of that process. Interview analysis highlights the professional/academic considerations involved in selecting suitable examiners, as…

Purpose: This paper aims to show the process of designing and measuring learning competencies in program development. Design/methodology/approach: The paper includes cross-sectoral comparisons to draw on programmatic and pedagogical strategies, more commonly utilized in vocational education, and transfer the application of these strategies into…

It has been suggested that growing interest in curriculum assessment and development in higher education is the result of a number of external and internal factors. External factors include increasing government interest in quality assurance, accessibility, and degree completion rates; growing recognition of the important role university graduates…

A collaborative approach to program design, marketing, instruction, and evaluation can yield high quality interdisciplinary certificate programs. Evaluation issues include (1) quality of core knowledge; (2) input from beneficiaries; (3) appropriate methodology; (4) appropriate instructors; (5) measurement of learning gains; and (6) curriculum…

Quality assurance in UK higher education has maintained a very strong disciplinary bias. This brings about important challenges in assessing the quality of multidisciplinary courses as well as assessing the quality of the student experience of joint honours and combined honours degree courses. Area studies is a critical case of…

Quality control of graduate physical education programs has always been the responsibility of educational institutions. The physical education profession has begun to establish its own specialized accreditation programs. An accreditation model in graduate physical education is examined, and the pros and cons of full implementation of accreditation…

Controversy exists concerning interdisciplinary research, especially when it is related to national needs and societal problems. The role of central university administration is examined, along with how it might shape the future course and direction of research efforts. (Author/MLW)

Cross-disciplinary teams formed by 29 engineering and 45 business/statistics/human ecology students conducted quality improvement projects. Different levels of commitment and interest were apparent; most had difficulty scheduling meetings with team members, clients, and instructors. Nearly all spoke highly of the learning experience. (SK)

A Victoria University of Technology (Australia) project designed to harness the interdisciplinary and collegial culture of the institution to implement Total Quality Management principles is reported. The successful project stressed the value of culture binding through transformative processes in quality improvement. (Author/MSE)

Examines ways in which colleges and universities have attempted to integrate the curriculum and deepen students' involvement in learning, including first-year programs, learning communities, inquiry-based learning, integrative general education, and efforts to connect general education to majors and apply what has been learned from cognitive…

Use of the student portfolio as an assessment instrument in an interdisciplinary multimedia-development course is described. Guided by the principles of Total Quality Management (TQM), the portfolio is used both for continuous course improvement and for student self-assessment. The assessment portfolio is built on the Bloom taxonomy. A…

Discusses trends in the future of higher education and considers the possible resulting challenges for libraries, particularly the development of special collections. Topics discussed include management, developing cost-benefit measures, considering possible new users, inter-library cooperation, developing quality by communicating standards and…

A total of 50 papers are presented from the George Mason University (Virginia) fourth annual conference on nontraditional and interdisciplinary programs. They are grouped in the following major categories: adjunct faculty, corporate/university linkages, experiential learning, graduate nontraditional programs, interdisciplinary program issues,…

The Veterans' Administration new Primary Ambulatory Care and Education (PACE) program at the Sepulveda (California) VA Medical Center, departs from traditional VA medical education models by shifting focus of care from inpatient to outpatient settings. The program uses an interdisciplinary team approach and stresses managed primary care. Aspects…