Are they worth it? An analysis of Chilean accreditation quality reports

This study seeks to analyse the Chilean accreditation system, specifically institutional accreditation reports (ARs) issued by the Chilean National Commission of Accreditation (CNA) between 2013-2018.

The purpose of this study is to explore and describe the suitability of ARs as a source of valuable information for higher education institutions (HEIs) and students. A mixed method of study, involving statistical and content analysis of the CNA ARs is presented. 17 university ARs were scrutinised, from which 1104 CNA statements were identified and categorised into strengths, weaknesses, mixed judgments and descriptive affirmations. The findings show that the analysed ARs provide rather analytic than descriptive information. Overall, 70% of the judgments were recognised either as strengths or weaknesses. Furthermore, it is shown that there is a high statistical correlation between the contents of the analysed ARs and the final accreditation score given by the CNA. Teaching-learning process, and operational results were the criteria exhibiting more weaknesses. Results of the content analysis shows that performance indicators are the main issue of Chilean HEIs, among which graduation rate was the most problematic one. Other complications were also found, such as inadequate self-evaluation process, and different provision quality. The study also highlighted that the treatment of the judgments varies between ARs, which could affect the remedial measures developed by HEIs.

This paper was presented at EQAF and reflects the views of the named authors only.

ISSN: 1375-3797

Are they worth it? An analysis of Chilean accreditation quality reports

Valeria Rebolledo-Robert

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