Better Informing the Market? The Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)

Authors

  • Michael Shattock

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6017/ihe.2018.92.10283

Keywords:

Teaching quality, teaching metrics, informing a student market, UK

Abstract

The current British policy toward higher education emphasizes that market forces and competition represent key factors in raising quality. Intense competition already exists in research through the Research Excellence Framework (REF) but this, it is argued, has led to a diversion of interest away from teaching. The REF is therefore to be paralleled by a Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), which will better inform the student market. The TEF, the first results of which were announced in June, is metrics based and categorizes teaching as qualifying for a Gold, Silver, or Bronze award. The metrics have been heavily criticized. The article describes the metrics involved and the reactions to the first round of TEF awards.

Author Biography

Michael Shattock

Michael Shattock is visiting professor at the Centre for Global Higher
Education, Institute of Education, University College London, UK. He
leads a research team on the governance of higher education. 

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Published

2018-01-14

How to Cite

Shattock, M. (2018). Better Informing the Market? The Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). International Higher Education, (92), 21–22. https://doi.org/10.6017/ihe.2018.92.10283

Issue

No. 92: Winter 2018

Section

UK Issues

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