Presentation of the AEC Framework Document and of its use in formal and informal contexts

Workshop on Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Music

23 February 2009 Conservatorio Di Musica Nicolo' Paganini, Genova

Welcomeby Martin Prchal, AEC Chief Executive and

Patrizia Conti, Director of the Conservatorio Di Musica Nicolo' Paganini

Presentation of the AEC Framework Document and of its use in formal and

informal contexts

Linda MessasPolifonia project manager

Structure of the session

1. The AEC and Polifonia

2. Some definitions

3. Presentation of the framework developed by the AEC

4. Use of the framework in 2 different contexts

1. The AEC

European association for professional music training institutions

More than 250 members all over the world Aims:

– to promote European cooperation between its members

– to represents the interests of the sector

AEC Council

AEC Activities

Events Advocacy Collection, analysis and distribution of

relevant information European projects

The Polifonia project

66 partner organisations 30 European countries Coordinated jointly by the Royal College of

Music in Stockholm and the AEC Project period

1 October 2007 – 1 October 2010 6 Working Groups with 47 experts from 18

European countries

2. Some definitions (a)

Quality assurance:

The collective term for the systems by which courses, qualifications and the institutions which run them are monitored to ensure reliability, consistency and the maintaining of fair, rigorous practices and high standards

Quality assurance system:

The organisational structure which sets out the responsibilities, processes, procedures and establishes the means to carry out the quality assurance

Some definitions (b)

Internal quality assurance:

The systems which are set up and operated by the institution itself (e.g. annual monitoring, the use of external examiners, periodic major review of courses, etc) 

External quality assurance: a system which is operated by others (such as government, accreditation agencies)

3. The AEC framework

The AEC Institutional and Programme Review Scheme (IPRS)

A new service for AEC members

Review of the institution or one or several programme(s) by a team of ‘critical friends’

Report with recommendations for improvements

Aim: Assist AEC member institutions in their quality enhancement activities

Short history of the IPRS

AEC Accreditation project 2006-2007

A European and subject-specific approach to QA/accreditation in music:

Specificities higher music education Existing expertise in the institutions Criteria developed by the sector itself International nature of music

Important outcomes of the Accreditation Project

AEC Framework Document Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Music Education: Characteristics, Criteria and Procedures

Register of experts Handbook How to prepare for an institutional or

programme review in Higher Music Education? Dissemination conference, 29-30 June 2007, Brno

AEC Position paper

Framework of the AEC IPRS

AEC Framework Document

Built up in several chapters: Characteristics in Higher Music Education – an

introduction Characteristics for QA in music Programme outcomes: ‘Polifonia/Dublin Descriptors’

and AEC Learning Outcomes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd study cycles in music (‘Polifonia’ project)

Criteria for programme and institutional review in music Procedures for programme and institutional review in

music Annexes: AEC Learning Outcomes + Glossary of

Terms

AEC Position paper

1) AEC position in relation to QA/accreditation Assisting institutions in the enhancement of their quality Taking into account the specific nature and characteristics music

2) Recommendations National and regional governments, European institutions QA/accreditation agencies in European countries Higher music education institutions All stakeholders

Functioning of the IPRS

1. Interested institution contacts the AEC

2. Framework document + handbook sent to the institution

3. Date and timeframe agreed upon

4. Evaluation committee composed (AEC)

5. Self-evaluation report + documentation produced (institution)

6. Schedule of the visit organised

7. Visit

8. AEC Report produced

Practical aspects

Length of the visit: 2-3 days Budget:

– Travel of the experts: covered by the Erasmus Network for Music "Polifonia”

– Local accommodation and meals covered by the visited institutions 

4. Different contexts

1. Informal: the AEC Institutional and Programme Review Scheme

2. Formal: National quality assurance and accreditation procedures in music

Informal context

Realised reviews– Oviedo– Groningen

Highlights– Hardwork, but useful for other purposes– Very positive feedback– Informal character

Formal context

Ongoing cooperation with: – The OQA in Switzerland

Basel, Genève, Lausanne, Lugano and Luzern

– ACQUIN in Germany Trossingen

Contacts/ Websites

Contacts– E-mail: [email protected]

Websites– www.bologna-and-music.org/reviewscheme– www.polifonia-tn.org– www.aecinfo.org

Introduction to the work of the Accreditation working group

by members of the group

Monitoring the AEC Monitoring the AEC Institutional and Programme Institutional and Programme

Review SchemeReview SchemeTarget of 9 peer-review visitsTarget of 9 peer-review visitsGather feedback Gather feedback

Reviewed institutionsReviewed institutionsReviewersReviewersAEC forumsAEC forums

Update the AEC Framework DocumentUpdate the AEC Framework Document

- -

Reflections on national quality assurance and accreditation systems

by members of the group

Coffee break

Introduction Round and Discussion with the audience

THANK YOU! [email protected]

www.aecinfo.org