The second TrainIQA workshop took place from 7 to 12 August in Potsdam, Germany, and focused on advanced tools and approaches for quality assurance in teaching and learning development.
This workshop aimed to deepen participants' understanding of evaluation as a tool for organisational development. It included in-depth sessions on evaluating teaching and learning processes, formulating qualitative and quantitative research questions, and the role of evaluation in institutional change. These sessions aimed to equip participants with the skills to not only assess, but also effectively improve the quality of education in their home institutions.
During the workshop, a scenario group work approach was used to facilitate the application of learned concepts to different change management scenarios. This methodology allowed participants to actively engage with real-world challenges and develop strategic solutions that could be applied to the needs of their institutions. Through collaborative scenario-based exercises, participants tested their ability to identify key quality assurance issues and implement effective change management strategies.
A highlight of the workshop was the cultural programme, which included a guided tour of the New Palace and a scenic bus tour of Sanssouci Park and Cecilienhof Palace in Potsdam. This cultural excursion gave participants the opportunity to explore the historical and architectural richness of Potsdam, including its famous palaces and gardens.
The workshop concluded with practical presentations and discussions, where participants shared their project results and discussed the implementation of the quality assurance tools and methods they had learned. This collaborative and practical approach ensured that participants could apply the concepts and techniques in their respective institutions, thus promoting a culture of continuous quality improvement in the higher education sector in the SADC region.
