Definitions of Quality in Higher Education: A Synthesis of the Literature

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to provide a synthesis of the literature on defining quality in the context of higher education. In our search for relevant literature, we intentionally cast a wide net, beginning with a broad search in Google Scholar followed by a narrower search in educational databases, including Academic Search Complete, Education Research Complete, Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), and SAGE Premier. We identified both peer-reviewed journal articles and publications from professional organizations, such as the International Organization for Standardization. We begin the paper with a discussion of the existing challenges and strategies for defining quality. Next, we provide a conceptual model of quality based on our review of the literature. Finally, we examine some considerations for defining quality assurance.