Analytic Quality Glossary

 

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Citation reference: Harvey, L., 2004–9, Analytic Quality Glossary, Quality Research International, http://www.qualityresearchinternational.com/glossary/

This is a dynamic glossary and the author would welcome any e-mail suggestions for amendments or additions. Page updated 10 February, 2009

 

 

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Internal evaluation

 

core definition

Internal evaluation is a process of quality review undertaken within an institution for its own ends (with or without the involvement of external peers).

 

explanatory context

Internal review is something an institution does for its own purposes. From an external agency perspective, internal review is seen as the part of the external process that an institution undertakes in preparation for an external event, such as a peer-review, site visit. In such circumstances, internal review tends to be conflated with self-evaluation.

 

analytical review

There is a tendency in the literature to equate internal evaluation with self-evaluation. In some contexts they are the same as internal evaluation is a shorthand for self-evalaution document or process.

Internal evaluation: Same as self-evaluation, done by a unit as a form of quality management or in preparation for external evaluation. (Campbell  & Rozsnyai, 2002)

 

Internal Evaluation/Self-Evaluation: The process of self-evaluation consists of the systematic collection of administrative data, the questioning of students and graduates, and the holding of moderated interviews with lecturers and students, resulting in a self-study report. Self-evaluation is basically a collective institutional reflection and an opportunity for quality enhancement. The resulting report further serves as a provider of information for the review team in charge of the external evaluation. (Vlăsceanu, 2004, p. 38)

 

However, the two terms are distinct.  A self –evaluation is a self-reflective process. An internal evaluation is an internal review process. An internal evaluation can be undertaken within an institution, by an individual or a team, external to the internal group/programme being reviewed. In which case the internal evaluation may, as part of the process, require a self-evaluation. Thus internal evaluation process is distinct from the self-evaluation.

 

associated issues

 

related terms

 

sources

Campbell, C. & Rozsnyai, C., 2002, Quality Assurance and the Development of Course Programmes. Papers on Higher Education Regional University Network on Governance and Management of Higher Education in South East Europe Bucharest, UNESCO.

Vlăsceanu, L.,  Grünberg, L., and Pârlea, D., 2004,  Quality Assurance and Accreditation: A Glossary of Basic Terms and Definitions (Bucharest, UNESCO-CEPES) Papers on Higher Education, ISBN 92-9069-178-6. http://www.cepes.ro/publications/Default.htm