Quality Assurance and Evaluation in the Lifelong Learning Sector

John Dickinson began his career as a residential social worker. In 1982 he joined Kirkby College of Further Education on Merseyside. He taught child care, health and social care and A Level and GCSE Psychology. He has been working in teacher training for FE staff since 1990. He is currently a Senior Lecturer at Edge Hill and an original member of the Post-compulsory Education and Training team. Jane Wood is Course leader for Professional Development in Post-Compulsory Education and Training. She has twenty years experience of teaching vocational courses in Further Education Colleges and has recently worked as curriculum quality manager responsible for raising standards of teaching and learning, and conducting professional observations. Further to this she has managed successful teacher education provision prior to her move to the university.

This book is as current as it can be in the education sector, and contains a wealth of theoretical and practical information about quality assurance, control, and improvement processes.The book is well written and structured in a logical way. There are also some excellent examples of good practice, which is ideal for student teachers wishing to improve quality processes within individual courses.

• Concepts of qualityDelivering quality in the classroomExternal inspectionInternal inspectionAssessment: moderation and verificationListening to learners and evaluating the learners′ experienceCulture, ethos and valuesProfessionalism and accountabilityWorking in teamsPutting it all together