The role of the self-assessment report for the educational program in the systems of internal and external quality assurance of higher education

Abstract

The article is devoted to the introduction of a report on self-assessment in the practical activities carried by higher education institutions in Ukraine. The role of the report on the self-assessment of educational programs in the systems of internal and external quality assurance in higher education Is described. In internal quality assurance systems, a self-assessment report is defined as a tool for self-analysis of educational programs and an assessment of the effectiveness of the quality assurance system of higher education and the quality of educational activities of the institution. This report allows to identify the weaknesses of the program/system and plan ways to manage them. For an external quality assurance system, a self-assessment report is positioned as the main document generated by the provider of educational services for external evaluation. It is included that such a document is created for accreditation and for applications to participate  in global university rankings. The criteria for forming a self-assessment report and its structure are substantiated. A typical template for a self-assessment report that meets all the requirements of the Law of Ukraine "On Higher Education" and the criteria "Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area" is proposed. The template of report includes a list of criteria, essential requirements, key issues for analysis, and possible confirmations, as well as suggestions for improving and further developing the program. The use of the self-assessment report in internal quality assurance systems (during the periodic review and monitoring of educational programs to identify strengths and weaknesses, to ensure the transparency and clarity of various aspects of educational activities by internal and external stakeholders) and in external quality assurance systems (including for determining the progress of institutions of higher education and their ranking - both in subject areas and in general) is suggested.