Quality and Relevance in Higher Education
Quality in higher education has several definitions depending on the perspective used to define it. Thus it can mean exceptional excellence; transformative when dealing with learner empowerment; value for money when it is linked to efficiency and effectiveness; fitness for purpose which concerns fulfillment of institutional mission and perfection when it means zero-defect (Krcal, Glass & Tremblay, 2014). Quality has also been explained by Nikel and Lowe (2010) as embracing the dimensions of effectiveness, efficiency, equity, relevance, responsiveness and sustainability. However, what is important is that the discussion of quality has to encompass the tripartite mission of the university, that is, quality should involve good teaching, research and community engagement. Good teaching must be informed by the latest research and new knowledge (McAleese et al., 2013). A whole mark of quality teaching, according to McAleese and colleagues, is when both teacher and learner are actively involved in the educational process, begin to question and become critical thinkers. These are skills that are highly sought after by employers and external stakeholders of higher education.
Relevance of higher education refers to its fulfillment of the social, economic and political role (United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), 1991). It is discussed in relation to application of knowledge. Knowledge is said to be relevant when it can be applied. Relevance means ensuring that the intellectual and educational functions contribute to social, economic and political development of society.