Reza Shojaeepoor; Abbas Abbaspour; Hamid Rahimian; Noorali Farrokhi; Somayeh Noori-Hekmat
Abstract
Introduction: Accreditation processes are the most widely used mechanism to ensure the quality of higher education institutions. The present study was conducted to design and validate a tool for measuring the accreditation of universities of medical sciences in Iran.
Methods: This study was performed ...
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Introduction: Accreditation processes are the most widely used mechanism to ensure the quality of higher education institutions. The present study was conducted to design and validate a tool for measuring the accreditation of universities of medical sciences in Iran.
Methods: This study was performed using a mixed method of explorative plan-tool development model. The time domain of the research was in 2022-2023. First, in the qualitative part of this study, questionnaire consisted of 15 scales and 44 sub-scales were designed by using the method of Grounded Theory and interview with 16 experts and Also 31 scientific documents. The designed questionnaire was given to the experts in the field of measurement and accreditation, and its validity was confirmed by the experts; and its reliability was calculated by Cronbach's alpha which was equal to (0/977). Non-probability purposive sampling method was used in the qualitative part of the study whereas random classified sampling method was applied in the quantitative part. In addition, analysis of Confirmatory Factor Analysis was used for testing mentioned tool.
Results: By doing first-order confirmatory factor analysis, mentioned tool were confirmed with 15 scales and 44 sub-scales. Results of second-order confirmatory factor analysis, also showed that 15 extracted scales are a sufficient factor leading to prediction scale related to accreditation of universities of medical sciences. In addition, all goodness of fit indices was confirmed.
Conclusion: In the qualitative part of the research, 15 factors deterministic self-affirmation scales, weakness of helpers and agents, institutionalized documentation, seasonal and unstable behaviors, tasteful behaviors, non-scientific and forced nature, dual environmentalism/acrophobia, culture, education, incomplete accreditation, unmeasurable, faculty, Evaluation system, executive structure and internationalization were explored with 44 criteria. The data of the qualitative section were combined with quantitative data sequentially and through the method of combining data connection. By doing first-order confirmatory factor analysis, mentioned model was confirmed. Results of second-order confirmatory factor analysis, also showed that extracted factors are a sufficient factor leading to prediction model related to accreditation of universities of medical sciences. In addition, all goodness of fit indices was confirmed. Also, all fit indices, with values of (CMIN/DF) equal to 1.986, (RMSEA) equal to 0.043, (GFI) equal to 0.974, (AGFI) equal to 0.928, (CFI) equal to it was confirmed with 0.948, (NFI) equal to 1.000, (TLI) equal to 0.984, (IFI) equal to 0.924 and (RFI) equal to 0.958. Through this scale, it is possible to determine the accreditation status of universities of medical sciences. The results of statistical tests displayed that the designed tool enjoys very favorable fitness for the accreditation of universities of medical sciences of Iran.
Majid Zare-Bidaki; Sajad Sadrinia; Ali Rajabpour-Sanati
Volume 12, Issue 1 , May 2015, , Pages 18-27
Abstract
Background & Objective: The core of each WBT system is an online software called learning management system (LMS) The existence of such a system in each university is the minimum requirement for the application and development of WBT methods The present study aimed to investigate the frequency ...
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Background & Objective: The core of each WBT system is an online software called learning management system (LMS) The existence of such a system in each university is the minimum requirement for the application and development of WBT methods The present study aimed to investigate the frequency of LMS usage in Iranian medical universities in comparison with the universities of developed countries Methods: This descriptive crosssectional analysis was performed in 2014 The study population consisted of Iranian medical universities and the universities of 4 developed Englishspeaking countries including USA Canada Australia and UK From among the Iranian universities a total of 52 universities were selected using the census method Moreover 58 universities were randomly selected from among 450 wellknown universities of developed countries The data from LMS of Iranian medical universities were collected through visiting university websites telephone calls and in some cases facetoface interviews The data were analyzed by descriptive methods Results: Of the 52 Iranian universities of medical sciences 33 universities (635%) did not have any LMSs for delivery courses in academic degree programs Of the 19 universities (365%) with LMSs Moodle ATutor Docebo and nativedesigned LMSs were found in 11 4 1 and 3 universities respectively In addition 16 Iranian universities used open source LMSs and 3 used commercial LMSs All 58 (100%) universities of developed countries used LMSs for delivery courses in their academic degree programs Blackboard Moodle Canvas Desire2learn and Sakai were used in 30 13 8 1 and 1 foreign universities respectively Moreover 2 universities were in transition stage and 3 universities used the Mooc system Conclusion: Iran universities showed a considerable difference from universities in developed countries in terms of frequency of LMS usage Educational and IT administrators in Iran should fill this gap especially at high ranking universities
