Study Quality Assurance and Development

University Study Programmes Committee (hereinafter – Uni SPC)

The chairman of the Uni SPC is the Vice-Rector for Studies; the Committee is composed of a maximum of nine members representing various fields of studies and/or groups of fields. More information is available in Uni SPC Regulations.

Uni SPC:

• Provides expert advice and proposes solutions on strategic development issues of the University’s studies
• Participates in the creation and development of the University’s policy on studies and submits proposals for the priority study portfolio
• Participates by providing a reasoned opinion and solutions on strategic development issues of the University’s studies with the assistance of social partners, Business Council and relevant divisions

•Participates in decision making related to the strategy and policy of the University’s studies, to the study programmes’ package development and improvement, and the University’s study programmes structure

Study Directors in cooperation with the Study Programmes Committees fulfil the objectives of the University’s studies in relevant fields, coordinate the assigned study programme (-s) of the bachelor’s and master’s , minor, part-time or non-degree studies and are directly responsible for implementation, quality and results of the external evaluation of this (these) programme (-s), as well as gathering of the study programme’s (-s) community for mutual work. The Study Programmes Committee members perform expert work, provide advice and direct assistance to the Study Directors

KTU has approximately 40 active Committees led by the Study Directors in particular fields of study. Each Committee includes: lecturers, who update the study programmes, students, social partners. More information is available in the regulations of the Study Programmes Committees for the field of study.

Study Director supervises the implementation of the study programme (-s) in the certain/relevant study field and is responsible for bringing together lecturers, students, social partners and graduates for implementation of the study programme’s goals and objectives; for external evaluation process and results; for building a team of lecturers; for the quality of the study programme (-s) in the field and for its improvement. He/she is responsible for updating the programme(-s) content, at the same time ensuring its curriculum, methods and evaluation enables the implementation of the anticipated results.

Study Programmes Committee participates in decision making regarding the programme’s (-s) design and curriculum (-s) in the particular/relevant field of study; in the selection of the internal tools for quality assurance; in forming a team of lecturers, also gives recommendations for improvement of the lecturers’ qualification. SPC takes part in discussing and suggesting specialisations / alternatives package of the study programme (-s), in annual self-evaluation of the study programme (-s) and in preparation of the improvement plans.

EDU_Lab – Laboratory of teaching, learning and education.

EDU_Lab didactic policy is to ensure that the process of the University’s studies involves the use of contemporary learning and teaching methods consistent with the current reality that provide conditions for the effective involvement of students in the learning process and thus help the students to develop their professional and general competences contributing to their personal development, active citizenship, social integration and employment.

EDU_Lab

• Develops and introduces the system for development of the contemporary didactic (learning and teaching) competences at the University
• Motivates teachers to choose and apply the suitable and innovative didactic (learning and teaching) methods to ensure the quality of studies. It is a new space for experiments and improvement
• Believes and promotes different philosophy of teaching and learning consistent with the contemporary educational trends. Delivers consultations, helps teachers to collect the latest knowledge of teaching, to rediscover what was forgotten during the long-standing teaching practice. Also, EDU_Lab encourages sharing good practices and organises workshops for teachers
• In the ever changing environment it encourages the teachers also to change, to integrate into their activities deep professional knowledge and contemporary work methods

EDU_Lab Team:

• Asta Daunorienė (Head);
• Jurgita Barynienė (Coordinator);
• Raimunda Česonienė;
• Marija Sabaliauskienė;
• Audronė Daubarienė;
• Ramūnas Kubiliūnas;
• Andrejus Račkovskis;
• Jurga Vitkuvienė;
• Neringa Dubauskienė;
• Darius Eidukynas.

It is an effective method to ensure the quality of studies and to facilitate decision making regarding the required changes.

The procedure for the organisation of feedback at the University is regulated by the Guidelines for the Organisation of Feedback at Kaunas University of Technology and its appendix. The University’s survey plan is prepared and approved annually.

The following surveys are organised in cooperation with the Process Quality Management Office:

• Modules and teachers
• Study programmes
• Bachelor’s final degree project

Students’ participation in the provision of feedback (surveys, discussions, forums, meetings, etc.) is voluntary and anonymous. The feedback includes quantitative and qualitative reviews and evaluations. A generalised analysis of the feedback data is conducted, ensuring the availability of the results to the participating persons and other members of the academic community, who can make decisions for improvement of activity based on these results.

Study Programmes Committees in the relevant study fields, Study Directors, attestation commission, administrations of the divisions and the central University’s administration, teachers and student unions use the long-term feedback results in the decision making for improvement of performance and activities.

General feedback results are discussed in the meetings of the Rectorate, Deans Offices and Departments, announced in the University’s intranet. Study Directors use the feedback results for the programme’s self-analysis. Heads of the divisions make decisions for planning and implementation of the improvement tools for the division’s activities and operations.

If you have questions regarding the procedure of the organisation of feedback at Kaunas University of Technology, please contact studiju.kokybe@ktu.lt.