Teacher's self-assessment as a part of quality management

Abstract

Introduction: Self-reflection is an essential precondition to improve and enhance teacher's performance. It should be included in evaluation processes of teachers conducted by educational institutions. The main research question of the case study carried out in the concerned higher education institution was whether teachers 'pedagogical competencies would be evaluated by students at a higher level after the introduction of teachers' self-assessment. Materials and Methods: The paper presents assessment tools and methodology of teachers' self-assessment which have been implemented at the Faculty of Education at Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra within the framework of its internal quality assurance system. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were used to reveal the results of the evaluation process from the assessee's perspective, as well as from the evaluator's point of view. Results: The results of the presented case study show that introduction of teachers' self-assessment into the internal mechanism of the quality management has had a positive influence on teachers' professional performance, which has been reflected in assessments conducted by students. Conclusions: The efforts of Constantine the Philosopher University aimed at quality assurance of all areas of its activities to ensure conditions for its long-term prosperity and competitiveness have also acquired a national recognition. In 2017 the Slovak Office for Standards, Metrology and Testing awarded the University with the National Quality Award of the Slovak Republic. The aim of this award is to motivate and support public and private sector bodies in continuous improvement and increasing efficiency.