Global trends in tertiary education quality assurance: implications for the Anglophone Caribbean

Abstract

The idea of a contracting world and the development of ever expanding global communication networks challenges Caribbean educators with the reality that they too are a part of a global discourse and their practices part of a global trend. Societal changes, including the emergence of nation states, the diversification and 'massification' of tertiary education have influenced tertiary education and its quality assurance policies and practices. The article samples a range of assurance systems identifying, in most instances, a changing balance of power among government, institutions and faculties. It argues that the newer entrants to Caribbean tertiary education should balance their thrust for institutional autonomy and academic freedom with attention to professional development and responsibility and commitment to quality. It concludes that important global trends in quality assurance systems include coordination, self critique, transparency and flexibility and it is these trends which should inform national and regional Caribbean accreditation mechanisms.

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