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Quality Accreditation of Engineering Education. Issues on an Optimal Accrediting Agency Model |
| Published in: | Proceedings of the 13th Latin American and Caribbean Conference for Engineering and Technology: Engineering Education Facing the Grand Challenges, What Are We Doing? |  |
| Date of Conference: | July 29 - 31, 2015 |
| Location of Conference: | Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic |
| Authors: | Hugo J. Pirela MartÃnez
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| Refereed Paper: | #196 |
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Abstract: |
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Abstract- This paper analyzes in detail the features that set accreditation apart from other qualification processes -i.e the ones relating to graduation and licensure of engineers- as a quality marker of engineering education, in terms of its social function and underpinnings; degree of mandate; and geographical scope. Based on this analysis the author argues for: (i) outcome-oriented approach to accreditation; (ii) demand-driven criteria for judging quality; (iii) profession-controlled organization; (iv) internationally homogeneous standards; and (v) orientation toward the Washington Accord, as key features of an optimal institutional model for agencies accrediting the quality of engineering education.
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