Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) in Student Equity

This stream will suit equity professionals working in Australian universities.

This stream comprises 5 modules, (modules 7-11 of the ACSES Evaluation Learning Program).

Module 7: Introduction to Continuous Quality Improvement

Overview

This module explains what Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) is and how it helps evaluate student equity programs. Emphasising how CQI focuses on three key questions:

1. How much did we do?
2. How well did we do it?
3. What outcomes did we achieve?

The module explains why and how to use CQI, what it involves (planning, data collection, tracking, and reporting), and how sharing CQI results can further strengthen student equity programs and practice.

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this module Learners will:

• Understand what is meant by Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) in the context of student equity evaluation and the SEHEEF.
• Understand when (for what activities/programs) and why CQI should be used in student equity evaluation.

Module 8: CQI Output & Outcome Indicators

Overview

This module considers how to choose meaningful and appropriate indicators to track the outputs (or progress) and impact/outcome of student equity programs. It helps you fill out a CQI planning template, drawing on the program logic models considered in earlier streams.

The module will guide the learner to choose the most appropriate information to access or collect in their programs for the purpose of CQI, by considering important questions like:

• What data do we already have?
• How can we measure how much we did?
• How could we measure how well we did it?
• How would we know if/when our outcomes were achieved?

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this module Learners will:

• Be able to identify meaningful output and outcome indicators and applicable data sources for student equity activities and programs.
• Be able to apply institutional Program Logic Models to complete the CQI Planning template.

Module 9: CQI Data Collection

Overview

This module covers a range of common data collection methods that can be used in student equity programs. It explores how to select a suitable method to gather meaningful data that will be useful to to assess program success. The module introduces learners to various useful datasets applicable to student equity evaluation, including Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) data, and considers in broad terms how equity practitioners can access and utilise this data to support CQI.

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this module Learners will:

• Understand the difference between qualitative and quantitative data collection methods.
• Understand some common student equity evaluation data collection methods and when to use these.
• Understand which data should be collected for all student equity evaluations, in line with SEHEEF, and potential strategies to collect this information.
• Understand the ethical considerations for data collection.

Module 10: CQI Reporting

Overview

This module explains how to report key information about student equity programs to the Department of Education and other stakeholders. Using practical examples, it walks you through the SEHEEF-aligned reporting process, showing how to use CQI plans and data to create reports. The module emphasizes the importance of sharing program-level findings and experiences to improve programs across the sector as a whole, and not just for official reporting requirements.

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this module Learners will:

• Be able to identify which student equity activities/programs, and CQI information, should be reported to the Australian Department of Education.
• Be able to complete the CQI Reporting template, and prepare reports for student equity government grants (e.g., HEPPP reports).
• Understand the value in sharing CQI insights, and what information to include in CQI evaluation reports, to support wider learning and application beyond individual programs across the sector.

Module 11: Applying and Sharing CQI Insights

Overview

This module focuses on how to use the insights from CQI to improve future student equity programs. It explains the critical ‘feedback loop’ of planning, reviewing, and adjusting programs based on CQI results. It also stresses the importance of sharing insights and learning from others to continuously improve student equity efforts. To support this, it introduces a range of avenues or channels through which to share CQI insights and/or learn from other SEHEEF-aligned activities, including at conferences, or via practitioner networks or communities of practice.

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this module Learners will:

• Understand how to apply learnings from CQI evaluations in program planning and design.
• Understand the value provided by CQI evaluation beyond individual programs.
• Know where to access insights from other CQI evaluations and/or share their own CQI insights, including through practitioner networks, resource hubs and communities of practice.

Once you successfully completed this stream, you'll earn a digital badge that is instantly shareable to your social networks (including LinkedIn) which showcases your new skills and knowledge mastery.

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This digital badge provides foundation knowledge in a discipline and doesn't require previous knowledge.

The Australian Centre for Student Equity and Success (ACSES) is an evidence-based research and public policy centre funded by the Australian Government Department of Education and based at Curtin University.

ACSES is committed to providing the higher education sector with tangible proof of what works to improve the quality and impact of student equity practices in higher education.

For more information, visit acses.edu.au.

For more information on this stream, or any other questions about the Program, email us at acses@curtin.edu.au