ABSTRACT

I have argued that the way through the quality jungle, towards moral and educational defensibility and real educational worthwhileness, is through a process of critical analysis. I have argued that this analysis should be supported by a clearly articulated set of educational values and a rigorous evaluation of the long-and short-term consequences of action in the light of evidence, in order to develop a theory of quality in practice. This process requires qualities of openmindedness and responsibility and that you become involved in the management of your institution. The principled involvement of educationalists and students is the best guarantee that instrumental solutions to difficult institutional circumstances are examined. It is this involvement in the real world, with real dilemmas, that is required for the maintenance and enhancement of quality and academic standards.