Students´ Representations of education Quality in Different School Levels: an Exploratory Study with Portuguese Students

Abstract

Quality may be studied from different perspectives. Research shows that many variables may be envolved when the target is the educational system. One may analyse the motivation of students and teachers, the methodologies of teaching, the processes of evaluation, the resources available, the educational facilities, the course organization or the academic success. Recent research results show a strong positive correlation between students’ academic success and the quality of education available to them. However, the way students perceive the quality indicators has been a less explored area. We present the results of an academic longitudinal research project that aims to study the students’ representations of quality along the school system in order to contribute to an improvement of teaching and learning processes. The sampling of this exploratory study focused on compulsory education, secondary education and higher education. In this paper the authors analyse data collected in three institutions of higher education in Portugal, through a questionnaire survey.