1. Lester Brian Shawa MEd (Education Policy Studies) Student: University of Stellenbosch MEd (Education Policy Studies) Student: University of Stellenbosch Work in progress Presented at the Education Students’ 6 th Regional Research Conference, University of the Western Cape, RSA, 27 th -28 th October 2006 On Friday 27 th October, 2006

2. Can higher education policy frameworks lead to quality education in Malawian universities? Problem Focus Problem Focus General outcry that the quality of education is dwindling or has dwindled General outcry that the quality of education is dwindling or has dwindled Poor links between higher education community and employers Poor links between higher education community and employers Curriculum has not kept pace with the demands placed on new graduates Curriculum has not kept pace with the demands placed on new graduates Lack of proper understanding of the appropriate role of university education in Malawi Lack of proper understanding of the appropriate role of university education in Malawi

3. Policy Frameworks Policy Investment Framework (PIF), spells out Malawi Government’s policies in Education. Policy Investment Framework (PIF), spells out Malawi Government’s policies in Education. Access Access Equity Equity Quality Quality Relevance Relevance Management Management Planning Planning Finances Finances

4. The contested nature of ‘quality’ Exceptional: special standards, the notion of exclusivity is implied Exceptional: special standards, the notion of exclusivity is implied Perfection: zero defects Perfection: zero defects Fitness for purpose: meeting stated purposes Fitness for purpose: meeting stated purposes Value for money: return on investment Value for money: return on investment Transformative: qualitative changes, empowering graduates Transformative: qualitative changes, empowering graduates

5. Research Methods and Methodology Aim: To find out whether higher education policy frameworks can lead to quality education in Malawi. Aim: To find out whether higher education policy frameworks can lead to quality education in Malawi. Stakeholders' perceptions on quality education in Stakeholders' perceptions on quality education in Malawi Malawi Bases for their perceptions Bases for their perceptions Relevance of education to Malawian needs Relevance of education to Malawian needs Policy implications Policy implications

6. Method : questioning an education practice or Method : questioning an education practice or policy: policy: In-depth semi-structured interviews Document/report review/analysis Methodology: Critical inquiry Methodology: Critical inquiry : Miles and Huberman framework for qualitative analysis (data reduction, data displays and drawing conclusions) Informants: Vice chancellors, principals, registrars and university deans from five constituent colleges of the University of Malawi and Mzuzu University. Informants: Vice chancellors, principals, registrars and university deans from five constituent colleges of the University of Malawi and Mzuzu University.

7. Expected outcomes Illustrate relationship between higher education policy frameworks and quality education in Malawian universities Illustrate relationship between higher education policy frameworks and quality education in Malawian universities Contribute to existing literature on quality (quality assurance etc) Contribute to existing literature on quality (quality assurance etc) Augment the concept of quality in HE from stakeholders perspective Augment the concept of quality in HE from stakeholders perspective

8. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR LISTENNING LISTENNING The End The End