THEORETICAL CONCEPTUALIZATION OF THE NOTION OF «MONITORING» IN THE QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION

Abstract

The article provides a thorough theoretical analysis of the essence and content of the definition of «monitoring», emphasizing the need to understand this phenomenon as a necessary tool for ensuring the quality of higher education. The main approaches to the interpretation of this concept in the modern scientific literature are considered, which allowed to identify the key characteristics of monitoring, in particular: systematic, continuous, analytical and effective. It is found that monitoring ensures continuous observation of a phenomenon or process, and allows identifying deviations from the planned results and responding to them in a timely manner. The functional purpose of monitoring as an important tool of educational management is outlined, among the functions of which are: control over the correspondence between planned and actual results, tracking the dynamics of changes in educational processes, identifying deviations and responding by initiating corrective measures. The emphasis is placed on the need for a clear and unambiguous understanding of the concept of «monitoring» as a prerequisite for the effective implementation of evaluation procedures and improving the quality of the educational process, which is an integral part of the strategic management of higher education. As a result of the study, the author proposes a definition of monitoring as a holistic, systematic process of collecting, analyzing and evaluating data, which contributes to making informed management decisions to achieve the planned educational goals. It is emphasized that the clarification of the conceptual apparatus within the framework of the studied issues ensures the conceptual integrity and scientific validity of further theoretical and methodological research, contributes to the formation of a coherent terminological framework necessary for the development of effective mechanisms for managing the quality of higher education, a comprehensive analysis of the state of the educational system and its forecasting in the context of dynamic transformations, modern challenges and potential educational risks and threats.