clt Faculty Member Obtains Internationally Recognized Quality Assurance Certification for Higher Education
Dr. Abdulwahid Al-Zumor, a member of the Faculty of Languages and Translation, recently participated in a three-day Higher Education Quality Assurance training for international experts. The training took place from January 31 to February 4, 2022, under the auspices of the Accreditation Agency for Study Programmes in Engineering, Informatics, Natural Sciences and Mathematics (ASIIN).
The inaugural day of the training presented an overview of ASIIN and its expansive International Network of Quality Assurance in Higher Education. Participants were familiarized with Accreditation Procedures, Peer Review Principles, and the expectations and challenges associated with the role of expert peers. The first day's training concluded with an analysis of the European Standards and Guidelines (ESG) I-II, which are vital for internal and external quality assurance.
On the second day, the training emphasized the Self-Evaluation Report and the Accreditation Criteria. Participants learned how to examine and assess an institution's self-evaluation, understand the accreditation criteria, and identify common pitfalls. The day concluded with a review of procedural guidelines for accrediting degree programs, defining and assessing learning outcomes, and subject-specific criteria.
The third and final day offered practical exercises. Participants engaged in a discussion of a task assigned between February 1 and 4. This activity allowed them to receive individualized feedback from consultants based on their analysis and formulation of questions using a sample self-evaluation report. The day concluded with a role-play activity, simulating audit scenarios for on-site discussions.
Upon completion of the training, Dr. Al-Zumor was awarded a certificate, marking his accomplishment of all training requirements for an international expert in Higher Education Quality Assurance.
ASIIN, based in Germany, is a global frontrunner in Quality Assurance for Higher Education. It has played a significant role in the accreditation and evaluation of 5669 study programs across 304 higher education institutions in 44 countries, including Saudi Arabia.
