Evaluating the Effectiveness of New Educational Quality Indicators in Higher Education

Abstract

Based on a case study at the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University (ASPU), this article investigated the effectiveness of quality indicators developed with new methods in higher education. The study is part of a larger project called "Strengthening Internal Quality Assurance of Education in teaching, training and assessment in higher education institutions of Azerbaijan and Russia" launched in 2022. The aim is to evaluate the impact and usefulness of these new indicators. A survey was conducted among 1016 students of the Faculty of Philology of ASPU, who were selected as the pilot faculty for this initiative. The survey included a number of new indicators designed to measure various aspects of education quality, including teaching effectiveness, learning outcomes and student satisfaction. These indicators are precisely designed to adapt to modern educational standards and the specific needs of higher education institutions in Azerbaijan. The methodology used in this study included both quantitative and qualitative analyses. Quantitative data were collected through the survey method and statistics on the effectiveness of the new indicators were provided. Qualitative data collected through open questions and focus group discussions provided deeper information about students' opinions and experiences related to these indicators. Preliminary results suggest that the new indicators have had a positive impact on the educational experience of ASPU. Students reported increased satisfaction with the quality of teaching and learning and significant improvements in assessment processes. This study makes a significant contribution to the literature on quality assurance in higher education by providing empirical arguments from a specific institutional context. It also serves as a practical example for researchers and educational administrators who wish to implement similar quality improvement measures in their institutions. The results of this study are expected to lead future actions in the field of quality assurance and educational excellence, both in Azerbaijan and beyond.