(Issued with Decision No. 87/QD-TTKĐ on June 15, 2023)

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

Program name: Professional training program for accreditors of higher education and pedagogical colleges

Training organization: Center for Education Accreditation – Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM CEA).

Responsible unit: Service Department, VNU-HCM CEA.

Certificate’s name: Certificate of completion of the professional training program

Required credits: 10 credits.

Total duration: Up to 4 months.

Training format: Hybrid training (face-to-face and online).

3. OBJECTIVES

The professional training program for accreditors of higher education and pedagogical colleges is designed to build the foundational knowledge, practical skills, and professional mindset required for effective engagement in these activities. The course supports learners in developing core competencies to fulfill their roles as accreditors, with a focus on:

–  Design and implement internal quality assurance (IQA) systems that promote continuous improvement in educational institutions.

– Conduct assessments and provide evidence – based recommendations for enhancing the quality assurance and accreditation processes in higher education and pedagogical institutions.

–  This learner-centered approach ensures that participants not only gain theoretical knowledge but also develop the confidence and practical ability to apply what they learn in real-world contexts.

4. EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES

This program aims to enhance participants’ capacity to contribute effectively to quality assurance and accreditation processes at both program and institutional levels, ensuring continuous improvement in education quality. It prepares learners for their roles and duties in quality assurance by focusing on developing their:

4.1. Knowledge (K)

K1. Analyze the models of quality assurance and quality accreditation of higher education and pedagogical colleges in Vietnam, international and regional organizations.

K2. Identify the role of quality assurance and accreditation in university governance and management.

K3. Apply foundational knowledge of quality assurance and relevant Vietnamese legal regulations to quality assurance work in educational institutions, curriculum development, and accreditation of higher education and pedagogical colleges.

4.2. Skills (S)

S1. Effectively implement tasks in the quality accreditation process of educational institution and program levels, including: reviewing self-assessment reports, external assessment plans, conducting evaluation activities, collecting and analyzing data, assessing information, and preparing external evaluation reports.

S2. Design and implement quality assurance activities.

S3. Apply critical thinking effectively to identify and solve problems.

S4. Communicate and collaborate effectively with stakeholders in the field of quality assurance and accreditation.

S5. Manage time and apply information technology efficiently in the quality assurance and accreditation processes.

4.3. Autonomy and responsibility (A)

A1. Identify the standards, duties, authority, responsibilities, and professional ethics of evaluators in the accreditation of higher education and pedagogical colleges.

A2. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate accurately and objectively, and provide appropriate recommendations that consider the context of educational institutions and academic programs.

2. TRAINING PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The professional training program for accreditors of higher education and pedagogical colleges at VNU-HCM CEA was designed, appraised, and issued in detail in accordance with the framework the professional training program for accreditors specified in Circular No. 14/2022/TT-BGDĐT issued by the Minister of Education and Training on October 10, 2022 concerning accreditors of higher education and pedagogical colleges.

This training program is designed to equip participants with comprehensive knowledge of quality assurance and accreditation in both domestic and international contexts. Participants will gain a deep understanding of key principles and best practices in these areas through theoretical learning, study visits, and practical internships.

In addition to theoretical foundations, the program focuses on developing essential competencies required for accreditors. To enhance their practical skills in accreditation processes, participants will engage in hands-on exercises, case studies, classroom simulations, site visits, and specialized professional internships.

Furthermore, the program aims to strengthen leadership and managerial capacities in quality assurance and accreditation, university governance, and training program management and development. This program is particularly beneficial for institutional leaders, administrators, and policymakers seeking to implement effective quality assurance frameworks in higher education institutions.

The training program follows a credit-based structure, consisting of four modules equivalent to a total of 10 credits. It is delivered in a blended format, combining face-to-face and online learning to ensure flexibility and accessibility.

The program is facilitated by a team of experienced accreditors with strong expertise in quality assurance and accreditation. All instructors have practical experience in external quality assessment at both institutional and program levels, and have been actively involved in training and mentoring accreditors.

This professional training program is intended for education administrators, lecturers, specialists, and staff working in the field of higher education and pedagogical colleges. It is also open to individuals seeking to enhance their knowledge, skills, and competencies in quality assurance and accreditation. Applicants must hold a master’s degree or equivalent qualification and demonstrate a commitment to professional development in this field.

FRAMEWORK OF CONTENTS AND DURATION

1. The structure of the program

No. Training content framework

Module code

Duration

(number of credits) (*)

Total Theory Class Practice,
discussion,
exercises/ observation, practicum
1 Module I. Overview of education quality assurance and accreditation HPI 3 2 1
2 Module II. Quality assurance system of educational institutions; self-assessment and external evaluation of institution HPII 3 1 2
3 Module III. Quality assurance system and operation of training programs; self-assessment and external evaluation of training programs HPIII 3 1 2
4 Module IV. Observation, practicum HPIV 1 0 1
Total 10 4 6

(*)One credit is equivalent to 50 standard study hours of the learner, including classroom time, guided learning, self-study, research, practical experience, and assessments. For classroom-based activities, one credit requires at least 15 lecture hours or 30 hours of practice, experimentation, or discussion, in which one classroom hour is counted as 50 minutes.

6. ADMISSION AND PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION

6.1. Eligibility and Application requirements

Applicants must hold a master’s degree or higher (or equivalent qualification) and be working as education administrators, lecturers, specialists, or staff in the field of higher education or pedagogical colleges. The program also welcomes individuals seeking to enhance their knowledge, skills, and professional competencies in quality assurance and quality accreditation in higher education and pedagogical education.

6.2. Training implementation and Certification

The training program is organized in accordance with Circular No. 14/2022/TT-BGĐT. The specific training program is authorized and issued by the Director of the VNU-HCM CEA.

Learners who successfully complete all modules of the training program will be reviewed and approved by the Director of the VNU-HCM CEA and will be issued a Certificate of completion of the professional training program.