Quality Matters is a global, collegial, learner-centered approach to quality assurance with online and innovative digital teaching and learning.
The Quality Matters approach is based on insights of experienced instructors, instructional designers, accrediting bodies and research literature regarding factors that increase engagement and improve retention. Its importance in course review can be summarized through several key points:
- Enhancing Learning Outcomes: By adhering to QM standards, institutions ensure that their courses are designed to facilitate effective learning. This means that courses are not just informational but are structured in a way that enhances student understanding and retention of material.
- Promoting Student Engagement: QM emphasizes interactive and learner-centered course designs. This approach promotes higher levels of student engagement, encouraging active participation and collaboration, which are crucial for a deeper learning experience.
- Ensuring Accessibility: One of the critical components of QM is ensuring courses are accessible to all students, including those with disabilities. This inclusivity not only meets legal requirements but also ensures that education is equitable and available to a diverse student body.
- Continuous Improvement: The QM process is not a one-time review but encourages continuous assessment and improvement of courses. This iterative process ensures that courses stay current with educational best practices and technological advancements, thereby continually enhancing the quality of education provided.
- Building Faculty Skills: The process of reviewing courses through the QM standards helps in professional development for faculty. It equips them with the knowledge and skills to design and deliver high-quality educational content, fostering a better learning environment.
- Enhancing Institutional Reputation: Adherence to QM standards can significantly boost an institution's reputation. It signals to prospective students, accrediting bodies, and other stakeholders that the institution is committed to maintaining high educational standards.
- Supporting Accreditation Processes: QM standards align well with the criteria set by accrediting bodies. By incorporating QM in their course review process, institutions can better prepare for accreditation reviews, demonstrating their commitment to quality education.