Agenda
“Back to the Future” - How to embrace current and future trends without losing sight of our aims
This Members’ Dialogue discussed current policy developments in the EHEA and their impact on quality assurance systems at different levels. The focus was on enhanced transnational cooperation (cross-border QA and the QA of European Universities) and on “new degrees” (micro-credentials and the proposed European Degree). The discussions will feed into EQAR’s future strategy.
8 December 2022
| 09:00 | Registration (ground floor) Welcome coffee (third floor) |
|---|---|
| 10:00 | Opening and Introduction
|
| 10:15 | Plenary session: How can the European quality assurance system support cooperation and mobility?
The session will focus on the various measures and actions envisaged under the umbrella of the European strategy for universities and the Council Recommendation on building bridges for effective cooperation. Discussions will focus on how well the EHEA quality assurance framework has supported cooperation and mobility so far, what is needed to fully realise all commitments that have been made and where additional commitments or further steps might be needed. Speakers:
Moderator:
|
| 11:30 | Coffee break |
| 12:00 | Parallel sessions |
| 1 – The value of Cross-border QA, Transnational Education and European Approach The session is dedicated to QA of transnational education, cross-border QA and the implementation of the European Approach for the QA of Joint Programmes. Three quality assurance agencies will share their hands-on approach, best practices as well as the challenges and obstacles that they are facing in their work across borders or with transnational provision. The presentations will be followed by an open discussion between the participants and the speakers. Speakers:
Moderator:
|
|
| 2 – Quality Assurance of micro-credentials Providing more flexible learning opportunities offered by a broader spectrum of providers, micro-credentials are becoming increasingly important for the continuous improvement of peoples’ knowledges, skills and competences in times of fast shifting labour markets and social realities. Understanding who provides the credential and what is the workload, the content and the outcomes is crucial for building the trust in these learning provisions and further seamless recognition. However, whether and how micro credentials are addressed through the external quality assurance processes varies across the different higher education systems.The speakers will present different approaches to quality assurance of micro-credentials and discuss the recent developments on the topic in the EHEA. On the latter, participants will have the opportunity to see the first public showcase of the visual solution for inclusion of alternative (non higher education institution) providers in DEQAR and provide feedback. Speakers:
Moderator:
|
|
| 13:15 | Light lunch |
| 14:15 | Plenary Session: Quality Assurance of European Universities and the European Degree The session explores the quality assurance arrangements of European Universities and touches upon the state of play regarding the European Degree. The aim of the session is to reflect upon suitable QA procedures that integrate the European QA Framework for institutions and programmes offered by European University Alliances. The policy-oriented discussion aims to benefit and to further the work of the Thematic Peer Group on QA. Speakers:
Moderator:
|
| 15:45 | Coffee break |
| 16:15 | Plenary Session: Role of the ESG and EQAR registration: accountability tool or driver for change? The session follows a modified Oxford style debate, of two panel members arguing in turn FOR and AGAINST the motion. The session will include a short presentation setting the scene for our debate following the delivery of the arguments on FOR and AGAINST the motion: that the role of EQAR and the ESG are more a tool for accountability than a driver for change. During the debate the two panelists have up to ten minutes for an opening statement, after which the moderator asks and takes questions from the participants. Finally, each panelist delivers a three-minute closing argument. Audience members will be asked to express their views on the motion (FOR, AGAINST or UNDECIDED) before and after the debate. Oxford-style debate with:
Moderator:
|
| 17:30 | End of MD programme day 1 |
| 18:00 | Guided walking tour, starts and ends at the Academy |
| 19:00 | Dinner at the Academy, accompanied by music from students from the Academy |
9 December 2022
| 09:45 | Welcome coffee |
|---|---|
| 10:00 | Plenary Session: Short Introduction to day 2 |
| 10:15 | World Café – voyage around European developments
The World Café gives participants an opportunity to learn about specific developments, initiatives and case studies related to quality assurance in the EHEA. The format enables informal and spontaneous discussions in small groups and allows each participant to visit 3 of the following topics:
|
| 11:30 | Coffee break |
| 12:00 | Closing panel: from Prague to Tirana – key messages to take forward
The closing panel will reflect on the discussions during the event and aim to sum up some key messages to take forward in the coming months: for the future evolution of the ESG, the upcoming revision of the EU Council Recommendation on cooperation in quality assurance and the preparation of the 2024 Tirana EHEA Ministerial Conference. Panel:
Moderator:
|
| 13:00 | Light lunch at Academy |