The Common Assessment Framework (CAF or Commom Assessment Framework), used in the education sector in European countries and the assessment tool of the National Quality Foundation (FNQ) named Model Management Excellence (MEG) used in public and private organizations in Brazil are assessment models of organizational performance, specially developed to help organizations apply the techniques of Total Quality Management (TQM) in order to better their performance levels and their management. However, the study lies in the general assessment of the quality management of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Brazil based on the external evaluation component of the National Higher Education Evaluation (SINAES). Had the motivation to empirical perception about the difficulties that, in general, undergraduate courses face in adopting a system of quality management and implementation of a system with features evaluative management and continuous improvement. This thesis aims to propose the integration of Model Management Excellence Foundation National Quality - FNQ with the Common Assessment Framework - CAF, making a conversãoBrasil / Europe. Using the method of action research as directed qualitative research strategy, the study sought to reconcile the two models and processes your criteria with indicators of the National Assessment of Higher Education SINAES, generating a guidance booklet called SIMECA. This work will serve as support to managers of undergraduate seeking quality assurance and support for the IES rumen toward excellence, fulfilling the main objective of this work. For future research, it is recommended to deepen, through case studies, the study demonstrated the application. / A Estrutura Comum de Avaliação (Commom Assessment Framework ou CAF), usada no setor da educação em países europeus e o instrumento de avaliação da Fundação Nacional da Qualidade (FNQ) denominado Modelo de Excelência da Gestão (MEG) utilizada em organizações públicas e privadas do Brasil são modelos de avaliação de desempenho organizacional, especialmente desenvolvidos para ajudar as organizações aplicarem as técnicas da Gestão da Qualidade Total (TQM) a fim de melhorar os seus níveis de desempenho e da sua gestão. Contudo, o estudo situa-se no quadro geral da avaliação da gestão da qualidade das Instituições de Educação Superior Privada (IESP) no Brasil tendo como base o componente de avaliação externa do Sistema Nacional de Avaliação da Educação Superior (SINAES). Teve como motivação a percepção empírica acerca das dificuldades que, de modo geral, as IES enfrentam na adoção de um sistema de gestão da qualidade e na implementação de um sistema avaliativo com características gerenciais e de melhoria continua. A presente dissertação visa propor a integração do Modelo de Excelência da Gestão da Fundação Nacional da Qualidade FNQ com a Estrutura Comum de Avaliação CAF, fazendo uma conversão Brasil / Europa. Com a utilização do método de pesquisa qualitativa direcionada como estratégia de pesquisa, o trabalho buscou a compatibilização dos dois modelos e seus critérios processos com os indicadores do Sistema Nacional de Avaliação da Educação Superior SINAES, gerando uma cartilha de orientação denominada SIMECA. O presente trabalho servirá como apoio aos gestores educacionais que buscam a garantia da qualidade além do suporte para que as IES rumem em direção da excelência, cumprindo o objetivo principal deste trabalho. Para futuras pesquisas, recomenda-se aprofundar, por meio de estudo de casos, a aplicação do estudo demonstrado.

This study on technology in the South African school curriculum investigates the nature and value of this subject as a catalyst in developing Foundation Phase learners’ creative thinking skills Technology as school subject is defined as the use of knowledge, skills and available resources to develop solutions to meet human needs and wants, taking social and environmental factors into account. Central to this subject, is the design process of investigating, designing, making, evaluating and communicating solutions to problems identified in the environment. The notion and nature of creativity as researched by respected psychologists and researchers over the last few decades, with particular reference to Matlin’s theory of problem-solving and creativity, provides a theoretical underpinning with the aim of linking the problem-solving nature of technology with creative thinking. A qualitative case study research project, comprising a sample of six Foundation Phase learners at an independent school, has been conducted. Key characteristics of qualitative educational research such as sensitivity, precision, verification, empiricism, natural setting, inductive data analysis, validity and reliability and triangulation, have been taken into consideration. This study highlights the potential of technology as a school subject that provides learners with the opportunity to solve problems in creative ways and use authentic contexts rooted in real life situations. In addition, learners are afforded the opportunity to work collaboratively with others and engage in meaningful activities in the indoor and outdoor environment. Technology as a school subject in the Foundation Phase catalyzes learners’ creative thinking and problem-solving skills and provides a solid foundation for preparing young citizens for the demands and challenges of the 21st century. / Curriculum and Instructional Studies / D. Ed. (Didactics)

This research study focused on measuring the impact of structures that support community-university research partnerships. The broad research question asked: How can we determine the impact of community-university research partnership support structures such as the Office of Community Based Research at the University of Victoria, within the university and within local, regional, national and international communities? Methods of inquiry included: participatory research, institutional ethnography and case study. These are among an increasing number of research approaches consistent with what is called engaged scholarship. Congruent with the methods of inquiry, methods of investigation included: in-context immersion, participant-observer-listener, use of available documents and information, use of an impact assessment framework prototype designed pre-data collection, key informant interviews, field notes, research journaling and the writing process. Data contributing to this study were drawn from key informant interviews. Interview participants were situated within local, regional, national and international communities. Methods of analysis included: a two-pronged approach to organising data, deductive and inductive approaches, the lens of praxis, and the prototype as an analytical framework. Assessment as praxis is proposed as broad analytic framework. Theory was constructed through data analysis. This study’s data and analysis point to impact assessment as a cycle of inquiry and eight elements that inform impact on and through community life and impact on and through the university. The proposed Impact Assessment and Measurement Framework (IAMF) includes eight elements: coupling intention with impact, spheres of impact, categories of impact, conditions of impact, points of impact, impact-focused documentation, multiple perspectives of impact, and impact assessment and measurement statements. Contributions of this study include: recognition of staff who support community-university research partnerships through their varied work spaces, research councils as a type of support structure, impact assessment as a cycle of inquiry, explicating impact through elements of impact assessment, and a literature consolidation of impact assessment in the context of support structures. Future research may include revision and refinement of the IAMF across different types of community-university research partnership support structures. / Graduate