Innovation and Practice of Internal Quality Assurance System in Higher Education Institutions -- Taking Jingzhou Vocational and Technical College as an Example

Continuously improving the internal quality assurance system and promoting the innovative development of higher vocational education is a challenge that every higher vocational institution must solve on the road of diagnosis and improvement.To address the current dilemma of building internal quality assurance systems in higher education institutions,this study utilizes a case study approach.This study takes Jingzhou Vocational and Technical College as the research object for research.Conclusion:The excellent diagnosis and reform model and the effectiveness of diagnosis and reform in this school can provide new strategic ideas for the practice of diagnosis and reform for the high-quality development of higher education in Hubei.

A novel method for geometric quality assurance of rock joint replicas in direct shear testing-Part 2:Validation and mechanical replicability

Each rock joint is unique by nature which means that utilization of replicas in direct shear tests is required in experimental parameter studies.However,a method to acquire knowledge about the ability of the replicas to imitate the shear mechanical behavior of the rock joint and their dispersion in direct shear testing is lacking.In this study,a novel method is presented for geometric quality assurance of replicas.The aim is to facilitate generation of high-quality direct shear testing data as a prerequisite for reliable subsequent analyses of the results.In Part 1 of this study,two quality assurance parameters,smf and V_(Hp100),are derived and their usefulness for evaluation of geometric deviations,i.e.geometric reproducibility,is shown.In Part 2,the parameters are validated by showing a correlation between the parameters and the shear mechanical behavior,which qualifies the parameters for usage in the quality assurance method.Unique results from direct shear tests presenting comparisons between replicas and the rock joint show that replicas fulfilling proposed threshold values of σ_(mf)<0.06 mm and
|V_(Hp100)|
<0.2 mm have a narrow dispersion and imitate the shear mechanical behavior of the rock joint in all aspects apart from having a slightly lower peak shear strength.The wear in these replicas,which have similar morphology as the rock joint,is in the same areas as in the rock joint.The wear is slightly larger in the rock joint and therefore the discrepancy in peak shear strength derives from differences in material properties,possibly from differences in toughness.It is shown by application of the suggested method that the quality assured replicas manufactured following the process employed in this study phenomenologically capture the shear strength characteristics,which makes them useful in parameter studies.

Software Industry-oriented Education with Embedded Quality Assurance Mechanisms

This paper presents a broad range of suggestions on the concept of quality-assured industry-oriented higher education in software engineering,a central theme of the annual CEISIE(CEISEE this year) workshops since the first one held in Harbin,China,in 2005.It draws on the lessons of collaborative experiences involving academics and industrialists from Europe and China.These experiences make the case for a strong role for software industryoriented higher education in the production of the software architects,developers and engineers required for the future.

Mimicking Bone Chemical Composition Using Economical Materials for X-Ray Imaging Quality Assurance and Educational Purposes

Imaging different bone sites for medical education requires the formation of bone-equivalent materials that mimic bone density. We investigated an economic imaging composition that characterizes bone density in imaging for quality assurance and educational purposes. Four different compositions were tested to reveal the best composition in simulating bone density in X-ray imaging. Hydrated lime was discovered to be the most suitable because it is durable (stiff and does not crumble), easy to source and process, and attenuates imaging X-rays enough to resemble real bone. Hydrated lime provides a significantly better phantom than the other combinations used.

A Quality Assurance Reference Framework for Assessing Educational Data

Digital educational content is gaining importance as an incubator of pedagogical methodologies in formal and informal online educational settings. Its educational efficiency is directly dependent on its quality, however educational content is more than information and data. This paper presents a new data quality framework for assessing digital educational content used for teaching in distance learning environments. The model relies on the ISO2500 series quality standard and beside providing the mechanisms for multi-facet quality assessment it also supports organizations that design, create, manage and use educational content with the quality tools (expressed as quality metrics and measurement methods) to provide a more efficient distance education experience. The model describes the quality characteristics of the educational material content using data and software quality characteristics.

An Effective and Secure Quality Assurance System for a Computer Science Program

Improving the quality assurance (QA) processes and acquiring accreditation are top priorities for academic programs. The learning outcomes (LOs)assessment and continuous quality improvement represent core components ofthe quality assurance system (QAS). Current assessment methods suffer deficiencies related to accuracy and reliability, and they lack well-organized processes forcontinuous improvement planning. Moreover, the absence of automation, andintegration in QA processes forms a major obstacle towards developing efficientquality system. There is a pressing need to adopt security protocols that providerequired security services to safeguard the valuable information processed byQAS as well. This research proposes an effective methodology for LOs assessment and continuous improvement processes. The proposed approach ensuresmore accurate and reliable LOs assessment results and provides systematic wayfor utilizing those results in the continuous quality improvement. This systematicand well-specified QA processes were then utilized to model and implement automated and secure QAS that efficiently performs quality-related processes. Theproposed system adopts two security protocols that provide confidentiality, integrity, and authentication for quality data and reports. The security protocols avoidthe source repudiation, which is important in the quality reporting system. This isachieved through implementing powerful cryptographic algorithms. The QASenables efficient data collection and processing required for analysis and interpretation. It also prepares for the development of datasets that can be used in futureartificial intelligence (AI) researches to support decision making and improve thequality of academic programs. The proposed approach is implemented in a successful real case study for a computer science program. The current study servesscientific programs struggling to achieve academic accreditation, and gives rise tofully automating and integrating the QA processes and adopting modern AI andsecurity technologies to develop effective QAS.

A Quality Assurance Approach for Linear Accelerator Mechanical Isocenters with Portal Images

Purpose: With usually a millimeter-level PTV margin, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) pose a stringent requirement on the isocentricity of the Linac. This requirement is partly fulfilled by routine isocenter quality assurance (QA) test to verify the size and location of the isocenter. The current common QA methods such as spoke shot were developed before SBRT/SRS became popular and when IGRT was largely absent and hence have their limitations. In this work, we describe an isocenter QA approach based on portal imaging to provide the community with a superior alternative. Methods: The proposed approach utilizes a BrainLab ball bearing (BB) phantom in conjunction with an electronic portal imaging devices (EPID) imager. The BB phantom was first aligned with a calibrated room laser system. Portal images were then acquired using 6 MV beam with a 2 × 2 cm2 open field and a 15 mm cone on a Varian TrueBeam STx machine. The gantry, collimator, and table were rotated separately at selected angles to acquire a series of portal images in order to determine the isocenter of each rotating system. The location and diameter of these isocenters were determined by calculating the relative displacement of either BB or open field edge between the acquired EPID images. The demonstration of the reproducibility and robustness of this EPID-based approach was carried out by repeating measurements 10 times independently for each rotating system and simulating clinical scenarios of asymmetric jaws and misalignment of BB phantom, respectively. Results: For our TrueBeam STx machine, the isocenter diameter derived from open-field EPID images was roughly 0.15 mm, 0.18 mm, 0.49 mm for the collimator, table, and gantry, respectively. For the collimator and gantry, images taken with the cone gave considerably smaller isocenter diameter. Results remained almost unchanged despite the presence of simulated BB misalignment and asymmetric jaws error, and between independent measurements. Isocenter location and diameter derived from images obtained at a limited number of angles (≤11) were adequately accurate to represent those derived from images of densely sampled angles. Conclusions: An EPID-based isocenter QA approach is described and demonstrated to be accurate, robust, and reproducible. This approach provides a superior alternative to conventional isocenter QA methods with no additional cost. It can be implemented with convenience for any linear accelerator with an EPID imager.

Quality Assurance in Open and Distance Education: a Case Study of Kota Open University

After a brief analysis of the concept of quality in open and distance education, information technology for quality assurance and Indian initiative for quality improvement, the paper examines the quality assurance measures at Kota Open University under the following areas: planning academic programmes; developing academic programmes; producing learning materials; implementing programmes; reviewing courses/programmes; and developing human resources.

Big data challenge for monitoring quality in higher education institutions using business intelligence dashboards

As big data becomes an apparent challenge to handle when building a business intelligence(BI)system,there is a motivation to handle this challenging issue in higher education institutions(HEIs).Monitoring quality in HEIs encompasses handling huge amounts of data coming from different sources.This paper reviews big data and analyses the cases from the literature regarding quality assurance(QA)in HEIs.It also outlines a framework that can address the big data challenge in HEIs to handle QA monitoring using BI dashboards and a prototype dashboard is presented in this paper.The dashboard was developed using a utilisation tool to monitor QA in HEIs to provide visual representations of big data.The prototype dashboard enables stakeholders to monitor compliance with QA standards while addressing the big data challenge associated with the substantial volume of data managed by HEIs’QA systems.This paper also outlines how the developed system integrates big data from social media into the monitoring dashboard.

QualiTeam: A Support Tool When Learning Software Quality and Testing Concepts

QualiTeam is a web application to support the teaching-learning process on Software Quality Assurance, Quality Control and Testing introductory concepts. It has two main objectives: to facilitate the understanding of concepts learned in theory and to facilitate the monitoring of SW projects that students develop. The system gives the teacher control and the students a guide on the activities that must be carried out throughout a software project development. QualiTeam is a tool conceived to help in the challenge of providing students with concrete examples with which they can practice and clarify the topics taught in the classroom. With it, students can apply concepts that, in the initial training of a software engineer, are generally taught only at a theoretical level such as: review process, change requests, trouble reports, document version control and testing documentation management. QualiTeam is free and available online. It has been in operation for 5 years, through which improvements have been made until achieving a quite stable version.

Assuring Quality in Higher Education in a Confucian Collectivist Culture: The Vietnamese Experience

Quality assurance(QA)has been introduced and developed into Vietnam for almost 15 years.The importation of such a concept from other countries with different cultures may result in resistance in some ways.This study explores QA arrangements at three institutions of higher education(HE)in Vietnam,a Confucian heritage country,as perceived by academic leaders,QA practitioners,and academics to respond to QA policies from the government.The methodological approach taken in this research is a multiple case study.A qualitative approach was used to explore QA practices at three institutions.Data collected from documentation and in-depth interviews were analyzed for patterns and themes.It was found that centralism and large power distance of a Confucian collectivist country such as Vietnam significantly influenced the government’s attempts to reform HE for quality improvement.Culturally appropriate measures from the bottom level with long-term strategies should be considered to assure and improve quality,including the shift to decentralization in HE.

Accreditation System of Distance Higher Education in the U.S. and Its Implications for China

Distance higher education is an important component of the Chinese higher education.How to enhance the quality of distance higher education is one of the key issues to be addressed in the research areas of distance education and higher education.As a crucial step to quality improvement,the constitution of accreditation system in distance higher education balances the benefits of all parties involved.This paper explores the American accreditation system of higher education and distance education and concludes with suggestions for the constitution of the Chinese quality assurance system:1)establishing third-party institutions to share part of the government roles;2)constituting the accreditation system;3)setting up appropriate standards;4)publicizing results of quality assurance work;and 5)building internal quality assurance mechanism.This paper is aimed to provide some reference to the constitution of accreditation system of distance higher education in China,facilitate the solution of quality problems in distance education,and promote the continuous improvement and development of distance education in China.

构建基于导向型教师专业标准的教师教育质量保障体系——关于修订与实施《教师专业标准》的思考与建议

20世纪80年代末以来,在提高教育质量的诉求推动下,各国纷纷制定教师专业标准或素养框架。国际经验显示:教师专业标准能否实现预期的目的,首先取决于我们研制什么样的标准以及如何实施这些标准,标准的目的与功能定位、形式与结构、研制主体与方式、实施方式与配套体系等,都是影响标准有效性的重要因素。我国现行的《教师专业标准》存在功能定位缺乏精准指向,结构缺乏真正有效的层次区分以及实施缺乏有机配套体系等问题。今后应该基于导向优先、兼顾评价的功能定位修订《教师专业标准》;重视标准的修订过程与方式,促进标准的有效传播和实施;以《教师专业标准》为基点,构建教师教育质量保障体系。

全科医学硕士专业学位研究生培养质量保障体系构建研究

全科医学教育服务于国家高层次全科医学人才培养,加强全科专硕培养质量保障体系建设势在必行,但全科专硕培养存在并轨培养模式不统一,培养质量保障体系不健全,高目标定政策、低标准抓落实等问题。基于扎根理论和德尔菲法构建了由六大要素(教学支撑、师资队伍、招生管理、过程质量、出口质量、社会支持)组成的全科专硕培养质量保障体系,并梳理了培养质量保障体系各要素间的交互关系和运行逻辑。

交通运输专业国际本科生在线教学质量保障机制研究

结合中南大学交通运输专业国际本科生教学现状、学院国际交流和国际本科生培养管理实践及经验,解析以轨道交通为特色的交通运输专业国际本科生在线教学特征,从课堂教学和实践教学两个层面构建交通运输专业国际本科生在线教学质量保障机制。提出具体的实施保障策略,尽可能降低因国际本科生与授课教师之间的时空限制和文化差异带来的负面影响,以期提高交通运输专业国际本科生在线教育教学质量,推动交通运输专业国际本科生教育内涵式发展,为新时代面向来华留学生开展在线课堂和实践模式的探索与改革创造有利条件,助力国家“一带一路”倡议和铁路“走出去”战略的高质量发展。

研究生学位论文质量保障体系构建的探索与思考

在全国硕士研究生招生规模持续激增的背景下,如何提升培养质量已成为各高校必须解决的根本问题。学位论文是研究生培养质量的最终体现,以当前硕士学位论文存在的突出问题为导向,分析影响其质量的主要因素,提出优秀生源选拔、加强过程管理、深化导师职责、完善奖惩机制等措施,为构建学位论文质量保障体系提供理论依据。

质量保障的真相或幻象——基于制度理论的国际学校认证制度审视

高质量教育是现代教育发展中的关键议题。学校认证制度为保障教育质量及其持续改进提供了有力的支撑。随着全球国际学校数量的不断增加,国际学校认证制度在其质量保障方面起到了至关重要的作用,但同时也存在认证目的逐渐偏移,认证逐渐形式化、标签化等乱象。本研究基于制度理论,运用“制度要素-载体”理论框架,探讨国际学校认证制度在教育质量保障过程中的影响与现实挑战。分析结果表明:尽管认证制度能够为国际学校规范化发展带来积极影响。但同时,其实践中日益凸显的功利化、形式化与同质化问题也在很大程度上弱化了质量保障的根本目的,质量保障的实际效果减弱。正确认识国际学校认证制度中的价值、实践和文化张力,对于充分发挥认证制度质量保障作用,推进高质量学校建设有着重要作用。

职业本科教育质量何以保障--基于时代定位、质量范畴、实现路径的分析

职业本科教育质量保障是具有时代性的,与其他类型高等教育相比,职业本科教育具有职业性、高等性、现场性和技术性等属性。职业本科教育质量是以达到预设职业标准,培养社会与行业等利益相关者需要的技术人才,并实现以教育自身价值增长为核心内涵,以教学质量、管理质量、服务质量等为延展的多层次复合质量范畴。职业本科教育质量保障需要落实“多元主体”协同治理,制订基于“统一性与个别性”相结合的质量保障标准,形成“评估、认证、诊断与改进”的质量保障制度与程序,并构建“检测+评估+改进+反馈”相结合的职业本科教育质量保障体系。

亚洲国家的跨国高等教育:质量保障和学生学习体验

亚洲国家积极引进世界其他地区发达国家的高等教育资源,建立跨国高等教育机构和项目,并不断完善跨国高等教育质量保障机构、制度和体系。跨国高等教育的学生普遍满意其学习经历,认为教育效果符合其预期。新时期,亚洲国家可进一步发挥跨国高等教育在连接亚洲以及世界其他地区发达国家高等教育的有益作用;亚洲国家构建跨国高等教育保障体系,需要来源国高校与本土高校之间的有效沟通,因地制宜、科学地设计方案;需关注学生的学习体验,培养学生应对未来挑战的能力。