Quality assurance

In most cantons the evaluation of the teaching body from pre-school (kindergarten) to upper secondary stages is in the hands of the school management, often in partnership with the corresponding teaching monitoring authority (school board, school inspectorate, etc.)

The monitoring authorities take part more often at lower levels, from kindergarten to lower secondary (Secondary I), than at upper secondary level in the assessment of teaching staff. According to regulations in the cantons, colleagues and pupils are rarely involved

in this evaluation, and only at the upper secondary level (although all may participate at all stages in internal quality processes).

Survey on educanet²

Presently the Institute for Media and Education (IMS)has carried out out a survey on the educational platform educanet². Financed by the Swiss National Fund, research began in 2007 and was completed in spring 2009. The purpose of the study was to give a detailed and scientifically sound overview on the use of educanet² by schools. It will shed more light on the link between the use of the platform and the following factors:

  • technical facilities in schools;

  • schools’ organisational framework;

  • support structures;

  • teachers’ knowledge of ICT;

  • use of the platform’s functions in combination with

    learning objectives.

The study further intends to identify the different variables facilitating a successful use of the platform by schools. Also any differences in use at primary, lower secondary and upper secondary level will be taken into account. Analysis of the results deliver a basis for reflections on the possible emergence of a new educational culture and its relation to the use of educanet².