Connecting the challenges of quality and equality in higher education using the collective intelligence approach: findings from an international expert panel

Abstract

This article presents the results of phase one of the B-CAUSE project, an international project designed to connect equity and quality in higher education. Expert stakeholders worked together using collective intelligence methods to develop a shared understanding of (1) key features of equity-focused quality higher education, (2) barriers to equity-focused quality higher education and (3) options for overcoming these barriers. Results highlight the potential transformative dimension to equity-focused, quality higher education, including responsiveness to students, participatory design, pluralism and openness and the educational imperative to promote equity in practice. The barriers and options generated by experts focused on institutional resources and supports, excellence-equity tensions, systemic norms and pressures, reflective complexity, awareness and empathy and student supports. The collective intelligence of experts provides the basis for ongoing research, strategy and pedagogical or curricular innovation as part of the B-CAUSE project and other international efforts to foster equity-focused, quality higher education.