The workshop marked the beginning of the SADC-QA cohort for 2023-2024, which consisted of 30 participants from 12 different countries in the SADC region. This group brought together a variety of perspectives and experiences in quality assurance. Hosted by the University of Johannesburg, the workshop focused on exploring the basic notions of quality and quality assurance in higher education, discussing why these concepts are essential and how they are implemented to maintain educational standards and promote continuous improvement within institutions.
The event started with a comprehensive review of the quality assurance landscape in the SADC region, setting a foundational understanding for all attendees. The sessions progressed to cover defining quality in higher education and exploring various models and frameworks of QA. This provided the participants with a solid base from which more specific discussions could develop.
A significant portion of the workshop was dedicated to institutional analysis, discussing methodologies for integrating quality assurance mechanisms into broader educational and strategic objectives. This was complemented by practical sessions on fostering a quality culture within institutions, highlighting the importance of embedding quality assurance into daily operations and decision-making processes.
Real-world applications were demonstrated through case studies, offering insights into successful QA implementation. Collaborative project group meetings enabled participants to work together, applying learned concepts to develop tailored QA solutions for their institutions.
The workshop also featured cultural and networking opportunities, which facilitated informal learning and strengthened professional connections among the participants. It concluded with presentations of group QA projects and a discussion on how to sustain a quality culture in higher education.
