Term

Definition

(as per the National Commission for Academic Accreditation and Assessment)

Assessment

is the process of measuring the performance  in relation to the standards and measurements applied; or the process of assessing or giving a value for the facility or a specific activity

Quality

Is the quantity value or assessment or the level awarded for the educational institution or academic program compared with the standards generally approved for an educational institution or a specific academic program.

Quality Improvement

is changing the inputs, processes and results which work on developing the performance quality. This usually takes place through a full group of the institution’s activities. Also, the term can be used for describing the strategies adopted by other entity or organization for bringing about such changes, and verifying their results.

Quality Assurance

Is the assessment and follow-up processes related to the performance quality which serve two different aims:

• ensuring the conservation of the level required in terms of quality and developing it
• Providing a guarantee for the relevant parties that the quality are kept at levels conforming to the best practices applied in the reputable institutions in other areas of the world.  

Internal Quality Assurance

is the processes performed by the educational institution for guaranteeing their performance quality in all activities. 

External Quality Assurance

is the processes of reviewing and assessing the institutions and their programs and activities by an external, independent body.

Performance Indicator

is specific forms of evidence, previously set, the institution uses, or any other body, for presenting evidence for the performance quality.

 (KPIs)

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

are performance indicators  chosen, and are considered significant in terms of performance assessment purposes. 

Benchmarks

are the aspects of comparison or the performance levels used for pinpointing the objectives and assessing the performance.

Domains of Learning

are wide-scale categories for learning outputs intended from a specific academic program.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

are the outcomes, skills and attitudes resulting from participating in the course or a specific program.

National Qualifications Framework (NQF)

is a document pinpointing the learning nature, quantity and levels or standards necessary for specific academic or professional degrees.

Student Attributes

are the students’ attributes gained as a result of policies and strategies of a specific method of teaching for some educational institution