Exploring the themes for Quality Assurance at Secondary Level in Punjab: A Document Analysis

Abstract

Quality assurance (Q.A.) in education is the process of ensuring that educational programs and services meet established standards and expectations. This study aimed to explore themes for quality assurance in secondary schools at the Punjab level to enhance and evaluate the quality assurance process. In order to support in-depth realities, the exploration study is grounded in the interpretivism research paradigm. Data were collected by using the document analysis technique on quality assurance standards documents implemented in different countries around the world; In-depth qualitative analysis was performed with the use of NVivo 12 software. The study's various themes have been confirmed via the use of numerous methods, including Coding Nodes, Word Trees, Word Tag Clouds, and Treemaps. Documents from eleven countries were selected to achieve the study’s objective; the most updated and relative themes were extracted and presented diagrammatically and in tabular form. A total of twelve themes were found through a thematic analysis process. Twelve themes were explored and named 1)assessment;2)community involvement; 3)curriculum; 4)early childhood education;5)school environments; 6)school ethos and value;.7)Facilities for schools;8)H)school administration and management, 9)school quality management and improvement. 10)School Mission, Vision, and Objectives ,11)Teacher Standards,12)Student Standards This research study is applicable at the secondary school level in the quality assurance process. The research finding highlighted the most relevant themes/factors used in quality assurance process; to enhance or evaluate the quality assurance practices. The outcome of this research study bridges the gap in the existing literature by offering empirical knowledge on the school quality assurance process at the secondary school level. This is the first research done in an Asian setting to focus specifically on quality assurance and its associated themes and processes. This study may eventually improve educational standards and student performance.