Institutional Quality Standards
1. Philosophy
The ES mission is to educate the world and enhance the quality of TU Delft campus and continuing education. There is a corresponding strategic plan to support its educational philosophy.
Rationale: ES is committed to providing a high-quality, stimulating and engaging (online) learning experience, which supports professionals and lifelong learners from across the globe, interested in engineering, science, and design. ES educational philosophy, widely backed by staff and faculty members, guarantees a high-quality learning experience that meets learners’ needs. Policies and strategic plans facilitate the ES mission with a focus on the internal quality assurance of its education. The ES organisational structure and allocated resources support its strategy.
1.1 ES educational philosophy is in place and aligned with the philosophy of TU Delft 1.2 ES strategic plan is in place to achieve its mission and educational philosophy 1.3 Open Education is a core aspect of the ES philosophy 1.4 ES communicates its vision and strategic plan to all stakeholders 1.5 ES clear governance structure underpins its philosophy 1.6 ES has the required resources to support its operations.
2. Implementation
The ES educational philosophy is realised in an effective, inclusive and learner-centred manner that is supported by a high-quality culture.
Rationale: ES policy and processes are put in place to realise its educational philosophy. The quality assurance activities are aligned to a quality framework. Staff, faculty members and other stakeholders are up-to-date with the policy and processes allowing ES to achieve its intended quality culture. Data and learners’ feedback underpin the continuous improvement attitude that is cultivated among staff and faculty members.
2.1 The ES philosophy is translated into policy actions 2.2 ES quality assurance system is in place
2.3 Processes are in place to support the systematic delivery of ES education and services
2.4 Processes are in place to collect and collate data and learners' feedback to improve educational services 2.5 Stakeholders know about and adhere to the ES quality culture.
3. Evaluation and monitoring
ES systematically evaluates whether the intended policy objectives relating to educational quality are achieved.
Rationale: Effective feedback and reporting cycles support the evaluation and monitoring of ES activities. These monitoring activities are embedded into ES at all tiers in the organisation. Data is used to make appropriate quality improvements. ES publishes accurate, up-to-date and accessible information regarding the evaluation results so as to continue to promote a culture of transparency.
3.1 The ES strategic plan is reviewed and periodically updated for its continuing relevance
3.2 Quality metrics are defined and reviewed on a frequent basis 3.3 Appropriate measurement and evaluation activities are an integral part of the ES processes
3.4 The continuous improvement of education and services is one of the concrete outcomes of the ES evaluation processes 3.5 Evaluation results are published and accessible to relevant stakeholders.
4. Development
ES focusses on the continuous improvement of its education, innovation and research.
Rationale: Outcomes of evaluations are used to support and improve policy or its implementation. Following up on measures for improvement is an integral part of ES processes. ES encourages all stakeholders to contribute towards innovation and quality improvement. Developments that are being put in place on the basis of the evaluation outcomes are clearly communicated. ES pursues continuous improvement, adapts to (changing) circumstances, and conforms to the expectations of learners and staff. A monitoring system captures and reports on best practices that might not necessarily be included in the regular reporting cycles.
4.1 Results of the ES quality assurance activities are discussed on a cyclical basis and an improvement plan is put in place 4.2 Budget is available for the continuing development of ES staff and for the continuous improvement of technologies and services 4.3 Best practice on continuing education and lifelong learning is captured and shared.
5. Impact
Continuing education impacts TU Delft and beyond.
Rationale: ES effects a positive impact on campus education and beyond in the sphere of continuing education/lifelong learning. In this regard, diverse faculty members partner with ES to deliver education; teaching is also improved through learner interaction and feedback. Research and innovation are coordinated in areas that will bring about a positive impact on the work of ES and on campus education. ES aims to have a positive impact on leaders and society by offering education that addresses the UN Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs). By being embedded in the TU Delft organisation, ES contributes to a long-term impact on continuing education at large.
5.1 ES contributes to improvements in campus education and vice versa 5.2 ES contributes to the continuous development of the learner 5.3 ES annual innovation and research budget is used to improve continuing and campus education 5.4 ES contributes to the UN SDGs 5.5 ES establishes a strong network within the industry as a partner and sounding board for continuing education 5.6 ES becomes a sustainable organisation and is embedded within the university and in the continuing education/ Lifelong Learning eco system and beyond.
Extension School for Continuing Education
Image credits (CC-BY): Guus Schoonewille on TU Delft Image Library.