Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) in Student Equity

 

This stream will suit equity professionals working in Australian universities.

 

 

This stream comprises 5 modules designed for intermediate to advanced learners, who have an understanding of the SEHEEF and are involved in student equity program design, implementation and/or evaluation.

 

---

Module 7: Introduction to Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)

Overview

This module introduces the concept of Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) in student equity evaluation, addressing three key questions: how much did we do; how well did we do it; and what outcomes did we achieve? It discusses the purpose and benefits of CQI, as distinct from Impact Evaluation, when (for what activities/programs) it should be used, what it involves and its role in the broader SEHEEF. CQI planning, data collection/tracking and reporting, and associated tools/templates are introduced, along with the importance of sharing CQI insights, setting the scene for subsequent CQI modules.

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 discusses the role and importance of meaningful output (or progress) and outcome indicators in CQI Planning. It walks practitioners through the CQI Planning template, drawing on example Program Logic Models to enter known information into the template, before exploring potential progress and outcome indicators applicable to the example activities and outcomes. It discusses different types of data and what they can tell you, and presents key questions to guide selection of meaningful indicators with accessible, measurable data, such as:

• What data do we already collect/have access to?
• How could 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?
• How can we enable efficient collection of the data needed to measure this?

The module carefully guides the learner to unpack program/activity complexity to identify the most relevant indicators, which can be efficiently and systematically measured as part of ongoing operation.

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 introduces a range of common quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, and their application to student equity evaluation (and CQI). It explains the key benefits and limitations of each method, guiding practitioners to select a method that will best allow them to capture meaningful data aligned to their output and outcome indicators, in line with CQI Planning and Data Reporting templates.

The module discusses essential data to be collected for all student equity programs to support effective operation and enable National level student equity evaluation, such as participant information, and strategies to collect/track this data. It introduces some useful datasets applicable to student equity evaluation, including Census data, and discusses how practitioners can access and utilise this data to support CQI.

With reference to ethical evaluation principles (see M4), this module also raises important practitioner considerations in determining what data should be collected and how it should be collected, recorded, stored and used.

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 guides practitioners to identify key information that should be reported to the Australian Department of Education and shared with other stakeholders. Drawing on example CQI plans and data collection strategies, it walks practitioners through the preparation of SEHEEF reporting documentation, including the completion of the CQI reporting template, and guides them to extract essential information for institutional student equity reports.

The module highlights the importance of sharing insights beyond the SEHEEF reporting requirements and grant funding acquittal, to support enhanced institutional program design and student outcomes, as well sector-wide improvements. It introduces the key elements of a meaningful evaluation report, including descriptions of the program context, evaluation methodology, findings and their implications, which enable the extrapolation of insights to other, related settings.

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 emphasises the core role of CQI insights (reporting) in informing student equity program design and planning, referred to as the planning feedback loop. It discusses how practitioners can embed the planning and review cycle into student equity program operation, leveraging the CQI templates, to maximise the benefit of CQI activities and enhance subsequent student equity activities/programs.

This module again highlights the value in sharing CQI insights and learning from other evaluations, including CQI evaluations conducted at other institutions, to enhance student equity program design and student outcomes. To support this, it introduces a range of avenues or channels through which to share CQI insights and/or learn from other CQI evaluations, such as conference participation, ACSES resources, practitioner networks and 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.

 

 

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