An in-depth study on the impact of external quality assurance

• Published in: Assessment and evaluation in higher education Vol. 36; no. 4; pp. 465 - 478
• Main Authors: Stensaker, Bjørn, Langfeldt, Liv, Harvey, Lee, Huisman, Jeroen, Westerheijden, Don
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Routledge 01.07.2011; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: accreditation; Audits (Verification); College Faculty; College Students; Colleges; Colleges & universities; Educational evaluation; Educational Quality; European standards and guidelines; evaluation; Evaluation Methods; Feedback; Feedback (Response); Foreign Countries; higher education; Institutional Evaluation; Norway; Norwegian language; Program Effectiveness; Qualitative Research; Quality Assurance; Quality Control; Quality of education; Statistical Analysis; Student Attitudes; Teacher Attitudes; Norway
• ISSN: 0260-2938; 1469-297X
• DOI: 10.1080/02602930903432074

After more than two decades of external quality assurance, there is an increasing interest in questions concerning the impact and effects of this activity. Following an external evaluation of NOKUT - the Norwegian quality assurance agency, this article studies the impact of external quality assurance in detail by analysing quantitative and qualitative feedback from those exposed to evaluations conducted by this agency. The study provides information on the impact of various methods used, how impact is perceived by students, staff and management within universities and colleges, and finally in what areas impact may be identified. A major finding is that impacts are perceived as quite similar regardless of the evaluation method.