On June 9, ANQA held a workshop with representatives from medical VET institutions undergoing program accreditation.
The discussion focused on the red flags in academic programmes (APs), namely the essential competencies that every student should achieve upon graduation. The participants explored how an education institution can demonstrate that students not only acquire knowledge, but also master the skills necessary for professional activities.
Representatives from Gavar State Medical College, Kapan State Medical College, Kotayk Regional State College and Ararat Regional State Colleges participated in the workshop. They presented their AP mappings and received feedback from ANQA's specialists.
The mapping of AP outcomes was discussed. It was highlighted that, for each programme, it should be clearly demonstrated in which modules the intended competencies are developed and assessed. It was noted that programme mapping helps align programme objectives, teaching and learning, and assessment.
ANQA's specialists highlighted that the mapping should also include evidence of the outcome achievement. These could be key assignments that demonstrate the students' attainment of the required competencies.
The discussion also addressed the responsibility of the AP managers and teachers in the outcome achievement. It was emphasised that they should be able to justify students' attainment of the competencies envisaged by the AP and evidence of their assessment.
At the end of the workshop, participants were asked to review their mappings, identify the core requirements of the programes and link them to the relevant assessment tasks. It was also noted that the mapping results should be reflected in the self-evaluation for programme accreditation.
In conclusion, it was highlighted that the programme accreditation aims to provide confidence that each graduate has attained the minimum competencies required for the profession and the institutions can demonstrate through appropriate evidence.