A feature of EQAVET that carries added value is that it encourages the systematic performance of self-evaluation and so it facilitates the continuous improvement of the quality of VET. Nonetheless, the Framework itself and the indicative descriptors and indicators that are part of it can be used as a quality assessment reference tool. Experts of the Hungarian EQAVET Quality Assurance National Reference Point (EQAVET NRP), which operates under the National Office of Vocational Education and Training and Adult Learning (NOVETAL), worked out a methodology for performing self-evaluation in VET institutions using the EQAVET Framework. Today’s blog post presents this methodology.

The common core requirements of VET quality assurance and quality improvement defined in the EQAVET Framework are the criteria against which the expected effectiveness and efficiency of any system, process, practice and procedure can be measured. Thus self-evaluation conducted by using the EQAVET Framework and its indicative descriptors entails the assessment and examination of how much the quality assurance approach, system, activities of a VET institution comply with the EQAVET requirements.

According to this methodology, self-evaluation based on the EQAVET Framework is recommended to take place along the following process (phases, steps):

Self-evaluation should be preceded by thorough preparation and meticulous planning. In the Preparatory phase: the teaching staff is informed of the purpose of self-evaluation, the expected results and the tasks to be done; a self-evaluation team is put together whose members will manage and control the self-evaluation exercise, and employees participating in the exercise are prepared for the use of self-evaluation tools and methods during which they interpret the indicative descriptors and indicators of the EQAVET Framework together; finally, a detailed work plan of self-evaluation is drawn up with the support of the head of the institution.

In the Implementation phase: the institution explores and gives a factual description of its actual operation in the given field in consideration of the 23 VET provider/institution-level indicative descriptors of the EQAVET Framework, and on the basis of the analysis and evaluation of these descriptions it identifies the strengths as well as the problems and areas for improvement.

• In the first step of self-evaluation: the institution collects all the information, data and facts which could be used to describe collectively, on the basis of consensus the operation of the institution according to the indicative descriptor, together with the results achieved. It should be made clear where and from whom the necessary and relevant information can be obtained within the institution, and which documents need to be reviewed. The ultimate goal is for VET institutions to have a system in place that meets the requirements specified in the indicative descriptors of the EQAVET Framework in every respect. Therefore, there should be an “answer” to all indicative descriptors in the institution’s operation.

Operation of the institution is described properly if it is factual, namely, the following questions are answered when presenting actual practice: Who? does What? When? Where? How? and Why?; furthermore, the description should refer to the given indicative descriptor, and instead of principles, goals and intentions it should provide specific practices, real information and actually performed activities.

• When conducting self-evaluation using the indicative descriptors of the EQAVET Framework, VET institutions should also identify the indicators which yield information and data about the effectiveness and efficiency of the fulfilment of the indicative descriptor (process, procedure, activity, etc.) examined. Therefore, in the second step institutions assign EQAVET and other indicators used by them to the operating practice described in the specific indicative descriptors which facilitate the evaluation of the given operating practice.

• When assessing the operating practice presented during self-evaluation (third step), institutions examine compliance with the requirements defined in the indicative descriptors and the results of the related indicators in the area concerned. Compliance with indicative descriptors is expressed as percentages using four evaluation categories and giving a textual, detailed justification for any particular finding. Based on this analysis and evaluation, the strengths as well as the weaknesses, areas for improvement of the institution with regard to compliance with the EQAVET Framework should be identified. Strengths can be operating practices which fulfil the requirements of a given indicative descriptor in at least 80 percent, and this is confirmed by results and indicators. However, if (in some or all respect) deficiencies are revealed in the functioning or the regulation of the area related to the indicative descriptor, it should be considered as an area for improvement.

• In the fourth step: the problems, deficiencies identified in terms of compliance of the institution’s operation and practice with the EQAVET Framework are listed according to the structure of indicative descriptors. This list shows what should be developed, improved, where intervention is necessary, and in which areas is regulated operation required in order for the institution to operate in agreement with the VET-specific requirements established in the EQAVET indicative descriptors.

After the problems and deficiencies have been revealed and listed, implementation of improvement actions in the areas designated as a result of the self-evaluation (follow-up phase) will become an integral part of the process. Following the logic and the steps of the EQAVET quality cycle, the further steps of quality improvement – such as cause – effect analysis, prioritising the problems listed with the involvement of school management and employees, determining what should be developed, defining improvement objectives, preparing and implementing action plans, assessing and evaluating the effectiveness of the improvements implemented – should be incorporated in the institutional practice.

 VET institutions can use their self-evaluation conducted against the EQAVET Framework by applying the methodology detailed above to develop and / or improve their quality assurance  / quality management systems with the aim of adopting and following the operating practice described in the indicative descriptors.

The self-evaluation template, an example of which is shown in the Annex, can be of great help in performing the self-evaluation.

A detailed description of the elaborated self-evaluation methodology – tested by 15 Hungarian VET institutions in practice – together with institutional good practices is given in our publication entitled 'A practical guide for VET institutions on conducting self-evaluation against the EQAVET+ Framework' which is available (in Hungarian) on the EQAVET NRP website (www.eqavet.nive.hu).

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