Linking a research dimension to an Internal Quality Assurance System to enhance Teaching and Learning in higher education

This paper focuses on the importance of bringing research-based evidence to enrich the Internal Quality Assurance Systems (QAS) and, consequently, the overall educational process. The study hereby described regards the Internal QAS of Teaching and Learning at the University of Aveiro as a vehicle for enhancing the quality of the educational process. The paper presents the study purpose and objectives; the methodology employed, and the qualitative data from the students and teachers' reports. The discussion focuses on the first outputs of the study and on how it can help institutional managers, teachers and students to cope with the identified problems.