Integration of perspectives on a methodological profile for quality education

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. At a quality educational institution the available resources, implemented processes and achieved results must fall under the ideal theoretical model for perfect performance in an educational setting. It is not required that this particular model be the same for every institution. Instead, it must be aligned to their own specific characteristics and circumstances, while taking into consideration the benchmarks provided by globalisation, which have an impact on today’s educational frameworks. Nevertheless, it is clear that all models share some core quality elements. METHOD. With the intention of offering interested professionals a reference framework for the design of institutional quality profiles, this study proposes a quality model for educational facilities where an educational methodology has been shown to be of particular relevance. During its development, a quantitative methodology has been followed, with the use of a questionnaire designed for this purpose, which had been verified for reliability and duly validated. A total of 1160 of these had been completed and collected from Spain, Latvia and several Latin American countries. RESULTS. The data obtained depicted that the various sectors comprising the educational facilities consider an educational methodology as being an essential component benefiting quality education and these very facilities. The data also place great importance on the various elements or founding principles of this methodology. DISCUSSION. An educational methodology is one of the main quality components for an educational institution and for education. Under the breadth of such methodology, the main elements or principles taken into account are the positive expectations for students and the development of a positive interrelation setting, circumstances that are aligned to current methodological thought, which foster the development of a setting that enhances the students’ ability to behave in accordance with their own personal traits, interests and needs.