Student engagement in university external quality assurance processes in Italy

Abstract

Evaluation is an important dimension in the university's quality assurance process. Starting with an analysis of the evaluation process from an internal and external perspective, this article explores student engagement as a central element of the Quality Assurance (QA) system developed in the European Higher Education Area as defined by the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG). The European guidelines underline the importance of student voice in assessment processes and in educational institutions’ processes of information management. Despite much literature, few studies focus on the models and evaluation tools used in external quality assurance processes in Italy. This essay examines the relationship between student assessment and the quality of educational processes, through a preliminary mapping and analysis of the assessment approaches and activities in which students are involved in external Quality Assurance in Italy (students' opinions; consultation of student representatives; engagement in external assessment).