Quality Assurance in the Era of Mass Higher Education in Japan

Abstract

Over the past two decades, the concept of “quality assurance” has been an increasing focus of Japanese higher education. This focus has led to the formalization of a complex process conducted by multiple agencies under the jurisdiction and direction of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) towards providing common quality standards accommodating the considerable diversity of Japan’s higher education institutions. Using J. F. Oberlin University as a specific example, this chapter focuses on the general question of “how is quality generated and maintained at the institutional level?” It then proceeds to explore the implications of practice within the university, seeking to clarify how contemporary endeavors seek to provide variety for various constituencies within the local quality culture. In particular, the chapter emphasizes the various ways in which this university has been affected by events within the more macro contextual levels of quality assurance while maintaining its local distinctiveness.