"Higher education" Updates the Universities Guide on the Outcomes-Based Evaluation Framework
Abu Dhabi, March 26 / WAM / The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research launched the updated version of the Universities Guide regarding the Output-Based Evaluation Framework, which aims to support higher education institutions in the country to achieve excellence within an outcome-based evaluation system.
The framework represents a qualitative shift in the methodology for evaluating the performance of higher education institutions, by focusing on acquired outputs and skills instead of traditional inputs.
The output-based evaluation framework provides a data-driven mechanism that allows educational institutions to systematically monitor their progress and compare their performance according to accurate indicators, thus enhancing the culture of continuous improvement, based on reliable evidence and clear standards.
The framework includes 24 key performance indicators distributed over six main pillars with specific criteria, including: employment outcomes (25%), learning outcomes (25%), cooperation with partners (20%), research outcomes (15%), reputation (10%), and community participation (5%). This methodology provides clarity and integration in the evaluation method, supports evidence-based decisions, and enhances the governance and accuracy of data.
The updated output-based assessment framework also includes an additional assessment to measure the extent of institutions’ readiness for the future.
The future readiness rating reflects two main aspects, the first of which is the extent to which higher education institutions’ programs are compatible with the emerging skills required by the future labor market as a result of the adoption of technology, and the second is the level of employing artificial intelligence technologies in the teaching and learning processes.
The guide sets national expectations for quality performance and institutional accountability, by providing guidance to higher education institutions, enabling them to align their internal policies, systems, strategic plans, and practices with approved national standards.
The calculation of a number of indicators is based on an average of multiple years instead of annual results only, an indication of the framework’s focus on mechanisms for monitoring sustainable improvement of performance.
The guide’s update was based on a series of technical workshops, which were held with the aim of involving higher education institutions, ensuring clarity of standards and unifying application methods.
735 representatives from various higher education institutions in the country participated in these workshops. The sessions included in-depth discussions on indicators and measurement mechanisms, which contributed to building a common understanding and developing institutional capabilities at the level of self-evaluation.
These efforts reflect the Ministry’s keenness on constructive cooperation with higher education institutions, and its commitment to continuing to improve the quality of the education system, supporting institutions to develop flexible and effective academic programs, and promoting the process of building a knowledge economy based on excellence and innovation.
The output-based evaluation framework comes within a comprehensive system developed by the Ministry in line with the objectives of the program to zero out bureaucracy in the country, by simplifying evaluation procedures, eliminating the requirements associated with submitting lengthy and duplicate documents by institutions, and accelerating the evaluation process in general.
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research will continue to support higher education institutions through specialized initiatives. To build and develop capabilities and capabilities, ensuring the effective application of the standards of the output-based evaluation framework, and contributing to enhancing the competitiveness of the higher education system in the UAE at the regional and international levels.
The Universities Guide on the Output-Based Evaluation Framework and the updated version of the Guide (Version 11) are available through the websites of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Commission for Academic Accreditation:
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