VUSSC/TQF2008/Wednesday

Reworking the TQF

M&E as a cross-cutting issue (using focal points; interlocutors-VUSSC Focal Points. Develop ToRs)

Standard setting


 * Standard setting‚ for what? for courses? legal foundations
 * Prescriptive or flexible Framework? Comparability? Translating? Register?
 * Disaster Mgt course‚ bootcamp approach
 * Are outcomes explicit enough? Assessment arrangement? Transition to full qualification?
 * Agreed there has to be criteria for Qualifications, and level discriptors
 * Need for guidelines for standard setting, level discriptors, processes and procedures for dev of course. Awards
 * Definition of qualification‚ Link to NQF/RQF
 * Guidelines to be based on existing mechanisms
 * Expand concept of bootcamp (to include experts)
 * M&E should take place for standards
 * Keep as is (policy breadth and scope).

Quality Assurance


 * To involve providers and national mechanisms for QA
 * Criteria for validating national bodies‚ through peer review mechanism?? Revisit
 * Ensure criteria are available; processes acceptable
 * Registering qualifications (criteria & process)
 * Agree on quality indicators for TQF (relate to‚ executive power)

Governance


 * In principle, concept acceptable
 * Agreed - three dimensions needed; ability to handle admin details (COL)
 * Managerial rotation of National Bodies‚ not a good idea
 * Terms of reference for dealing with issues raised‚ defined by TQF secretariat, to countries for refinement and adoption (M&E)
 * Relate to other QF entities
 * Refine decision-making modalities
 * Add two additional roles: external observers (UNESCO e.g.) and external evaluators (ensure all regions are represented)
 * Need for Chairperson
 * All meetings virtual? At least there should be one f2f meeting for greater effectiveness.
 * Executive power issues needs closer review.
 * Need for specialist steering committee

Purpose


 * Agreed to but definition needs modification (offered by an institution in the small states via the VUSSC portal to students in their own or other countries)
 * Mobility
 * Affordability; sustainability

Architecture


 * Yes, Yes, Yes.
 * Agreed to 10 levels
 * Move towards VUSSC‚Äôs Levels 1, 2, 3.
 * Notional hours credit system OK