Key Evaluation Questions

Key evaluation questions (KEQs) and Tertiary Evaluation Indicators are the main tools of external evaluation and review. Along with performance criteria, these tools are used to reach judgements about educational performance and capability in self-assessment.

Click on a linked question below to find the possible sources of evidence and the relevant sets of Tertiary Evaluation Indicators.

Outcome questions

Outcome questions focus on the value of the outcomes achieved in tertiary education.

1. How well do learners achieve?

2. What is the value of the outcomes for key stakeholders [1], including learners?

Process questions

Process questions focus on the quality and value of the key contributing processes in tertiary education.

3. How well do programmes and activities match the needs of learners and other stakeholders?

4. How effective is the teaching?

5. How well are learners guided and supported?

6. How effective are governance and management in supporting educational achievement?

Common platform

The KEQs are designed to explore what are widely regarded as the most important dimensions of educational quality: programme content and design, and delivery and outcomes. They provide a common platform for the external evaluation and review of TEOs regardless of their size or the type of programmes they offer.

These high-level, open-ended questions focus on either the outcomes achieved or the key processes contributing to the outcomes.

You may find the KEQs and the Tertiary Evaluation Indicators useful for self-assessment. They can create a strong link between your self-assessment and the external evaluation and review. By using the same tools, TEOs and evaluators can engage in conversations using common definitions and understandings.

However, you will also need to use your own questions or indicators for self-assessment activities, to reflect features unique to your organisation.

“It makes you look at yourself and be honest and see what you can do to improve… I like that it focuses on the learner and the delivery of programmes and what the learner is getting out of the programme.”

TEO staff member

[1] ‘Stakeholders’ can be different groups of people in different TEOs, but are likely to include some or all of: students, communities, employers, professional bodies and other relevant regional and national groups.