Quality factors and elements perceived by the participating teachers in the tutorial action plan for european universities

Abstract

The research based on the analysis of the Tutorial Action Plan for the different European universities has focused on the improvement of this guidance service offered by the higher education schools. The aim of this study is to detect the factors and elements that determine quality tutoring as perceived by the professors of European universities. The research is part of the R&D Timonel project for the elaboration of a recommendation system based on the needs of guidance and tutoring of students and graduates. A total of 48 professors from the University of Jaén (Spain), the University of Granada (Spain), the Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra (Portugal) and the Queen Mary University of London (United Kingdom) participated in nominal groups and SWOT techniques. The results were shown in reference to three large dimensions included in the project and defined as the main trends of tutorial action: Academic, Personal and Professional, adding a fourth transversal dimension detected by the participants in the analysis of the data. The participants reveal how teacher training in terms of orientation, knowledge and experience of these as well as the involvement and commitment of both the tutor and students in the tutorial action are some of the factors and elements that determine quality tutoring. Despite the research, there are many efforts that have to be made so that the tutorial action in European universities acquires the excellence that this university service requires.