What are the underlying principles of Quality Matters?

The Quality Matters Rubrics and processes are:

Continuous
  • The Quality Matters process is designed to ensure all reviewed courses will eventually meet expectations.
  • The process is integral to a continuous quality improvement process.
Centered
  • On research - the development of the rubric is based in national standards of best practice, the research literature, and instructional design principles.
  • On student learning - the rubric and process are designed to promote student learning.
  • On quality - the review sets a quality goal at the 85% level or better (courses do not have to be perfect but better than good enough).
Collegial
  • A Quality Matters review is part of a faculty-driven, peer review process.
  • The review process is intended to be diagnostic and collegial, not evaluative and judgmental.
Collaborative
  • The review is based on collaboratively identified evidence found in the course rather than the personal preference of an individual reviewer.
  • The review is flexible and not prescriptive (many ways to meet each standard).
  • The review team consists of experienced online instructors and instructional designers in communication with the course developer.