Self-Evaluation & Improvement Of Programmes & Services
Glin National College will ensure that it evaluates its provision of training programmes and related services in a structured and systematic way. The company will give responsibility for instigating and coordinating the self-evaluation process and assessing its outcomes to the Academic Council, Academic Standards Quality Officer and the Programme Development Officer.
Where appropriate, evidence gathered in the evaluation process is used to improve the programmes and their delivery and inform the future development of programmes and services. Glin National College will endeavour to ensure the involvement of tutors, learners, staff, management and stakeholders in Glin National College’s self-evaluation and will engage an appropriate external evaluator. The Academic Standards Quality Officer, Tutors, and the Programme Development Officer will have responsibility for self-evaluation.
A self-evaluation team comprising the above will hold minuted meetings as necessary, plan for, execute evaluations, and prepare reports on each review undertaken.
Self-evaluations will be monitored annually by the Training and Business Development Manager. Evaluation of module(s) from the range of courses delivered at Glin National College will involve examining training materials and questionnaires returned from learners, feedback from stakeholders and a sample of learner assessments. Existing effective practices are identified and noted.
Learner input to evaluate training programmes will be via returned questionnaires, evaluation sheets and, where appropriate, notes from random informal interviews with learners where possible.
The method by which Glin National College will carry out an evaluation will consist of forming a self-evaluation team by reference to guidelines and best practice standards set by QQI, PHECC and by appointing an external evaluator.
The self-evaluation team will monitor its work annually by consulting among themselves and referencing records of external evaluators’ reports. It will report its findings to the Academic Council.
What is Self-Evaluation?
Evaluation is a structured and systematic process to explore, reflect and report on the effectiveness of an activity. It aims to capture, interpret and disseminate learning from any actions undertaken. It seeks to identify good practice and to use the findings to inform future policy and practices.
Who is involved in a Self-Evaluation?
The Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act (2012) requires that programmes and related services offered by a provider must be evaluated by the provider with the input of learners and an independent person. The term "external evaluator" will be used here to refer to the latter role.
External Evaluator
Learner Providers
Learner Providers must demonstrate that they can involve learners in the process of evaluation (methods might include).
Management and Staff
The involvement and engagement of teaching and other staff is fundamental to the success of any self-evaluation.
Conducting a Self-Evaluation
Six-Phase Model
Self-evaluation is an internal process of self-reflection and assessment. Evaluation is a systematic and structured process of reviewing an experience, determining its worth or value and deciding what needs to be changed or further developed. Self-evaluation is a continuous cycle of reflection and review to bring about positive change and improvement, which feeds into further consideration and review.
Self-evaluation is one aspect of Glin National College's Quality Assurance system. It is the aspect that ensures that the Quality Assurance system is meeting its objectives and allows for the continuous improvement of the system and the programmes and services that it supports.
Phase 1: Preparation
During the Preparation Phase, Glin National College will:
Assign/ identify personnel with responsibility for planning and implementing the Self-Evaluation.
Be familiar with relevant background information policies, procedures and supporting documentation that inform the Self-Evaluation process.
Train/brief members of the Self-Evaluation team.
Appoint an External Evaluator.
Draft an overall plan for the continuous cycle of Self-Evaluation to ensure the inclusion of all programmes and related services within Glin National College.
Phase 2: Planning
During the Planning Phase, Glin National College will:
Determine an Action Plan for the process.
Decide what is to be evaluated.
Determine the aim and objectives of the Self-Evaluation.
Determine the criteria with which Glin National College will determine the level of success.
Identify the people that are to be involved in the Self-Evaluation process.
Decide on the methodology to be used.
Identify the data required.
Plan and design tools to capture evidence from Learners, staff and stakeholders.
Phase 3: Implementation
During the Implementation Phase, Glin National College will:
Engage the External Evaluator
Gather the data as determined in the action plan
Collate the data
Analyse the data
Document the findings, draw conclusions and make recommendations
Submit a copy of the Programme Evaluation Report and the Programme Improvement Plan to the Academic Council, QQI and ensure the evaluation process and outcomes are documented in the PHECC RISAR where appropriate.
Phase 4: Follow-Up
During the Follow-up Phase, Glin National College will:
File Records and documentation
Disseminate Feedback on findings and recommendations
Update the Quality Assurance System
Implement the Programme Improvement Plan
Phase 5: Review
During the Review Phase, Glin National College will:
Review the Self-Evaluation process in order to learn how to improve the way that the Glin National College undertakes Self-Evaluation
Plan any necessary improvements/amendments to be incorporated into the next cycle.
Phase 6: Forward Planning
During the Forward Planning Phase, Glin National College will:
Apply lessons learnt from this Self-Evaluation cycle
Amend methodologies as a result of the outcome/s of the Review Stage
Restructure the planning cycle if necessary
Plan to start the process again
Undertake any necessary research identified through the Review Phase
Commence preparation/planning