This book explores how the global trend of quality assurance in higher
education is related to the boom of measuring learning outcomes in
Japan. It also presents a comparative study in higher education policy
between Japan and the US, examining how both countries have reacted to
the demands of globalization. This comparative view will help readers
understand the present issues Japanese higher education faces and grasp
the commonalties and differences between American and Japanese higher
education.
The book first explores the forces of globalization that have resulted
in Japanese universities emphasizing student learning outcomes. Next, it
examines how Japanese higher education has learned from the experience
of the U.S., whose higher education reform has been regarded as a model
for Japan. The book explains why quality assurance for teaching and
learning has become important for all Japanese higher education
institutions.
Higher Education on a global basis is now facing a great issue. In order
to help students in a competitive global market, universities need to
become more teaching-and-learning-centered and develop more
internationalized curricula. This book provides comparative views for
cultural and structural similarities and differences in higher education
in two countries which could explain significant differences in the
gains students make in college. It will help readers understand not only
how student learning outcomes can be measured, but why universities
throughout the world must continually strive to become world-class
institutions.
