External evaluation of university quality in Chile: an overview

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to review processes of accreditation for Chilean Universities. Along with cataloguing evolutionary milestones, the study analyses effects at the institutional and program levels. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts a meta-evaluative approach and is based on secondary information sources, including both specialised publications and national databases, regarding the expansion of institutions, programs and enrolment, as well as the results of accreditation processes. Findings University quality assurance reflects developments in economic policies, and supply and demand. Progressive consolidation of the national system has had positive effects on the management and development of universities, but the implementation of quality assurance has brought some problems. A traditional classification of universities into customary categories is predictive of the results of accreditation. The variable of administrative compliance is more important than a culture of quality in explaining the results of institutional and program accreditation. Originality/value This review identifies advances, limitations and challenges in the improvement and assurance of quality of Chilean Universities and their programs. This is an unprecedented metanalysis of studies concerning the evolution of accreditation processes and will inform future practice.

Efectividad y variables relevantes en procesos de aseguramiento de la calidad en carreras de educación parvularia

“…Por lo tanto, en la medida que aumenten las exigencias de acreditación de las universidades, será posible esperar mayores niveles de calidad en la formación de educadoras de párvulos. Producto de déficit económicos y de actos de corrupción, se han cerrado varias universidades privadas, aunque todavía subsisten entidades al margen del sistema de aseguramiento de la calidad de universidades chilenas (López et al, 2022). Además, la cantidad de sedes ha tendido a disminuir .…”

Explorando La Eficacia Del Modelo Multidimensional en La Acreditación De Universidades: Análisis Exhaustivo

“…El tiempo y los recursos requeridos para cumplir con los procedimientos burocráticos pueden ser prohibitivos para algunas instituciones, lo que conduce a una exclusión desigual en el proceso de acreditación. Esto a su vez podría ampliar la brecha entre instituciones acreditadas y no acreditadas, afectando potencialmente la calidad educativa y la equidad en el acceso a la educación superior (López et al, 2022). Akangbou (2021) sostiene que en contextos donde las instituciones educativas enfrentan presiones adicionales, como cambios en los estándares de acreditación, requisitos regulatorios cambiantes o una competencia creciente en el sector educativo, la burocracia puede convertirse en un desafío aún mayor.…”

Does Quality Matter? Quality Assurance in Research for the Chilean Higher Education System

“…The accreditation processes of Chilean universities have shown positive effects on institutional management. The provision and use of information for decision-making, the improvement of indicators of pedagogical effectiveness and compliance with graduation profiles in teaching, the offering of graduate programs, and the coverage and involvement in community engagement activities are examples of these effects [32][33][34][35][36], in agreement with some international trends [37]. However, they have also raised criticisms regarding their procedures, limited social impact, conflicts of interest, and corruption [38][39][40][41].…”