Jacqueline Vanhear, PhD, is a seasoned expert in quality assurance and instructional design within higher education. At the University of Malta’s Quality Support Unit, she drives institutional enhancement through robust internal quality systems, evidence-informed practices, and meaningful stakeholder engagement. Her commitment to fostering a culture of excellence extends across borders through ongoing collaboration with international institutions and quality assurance agencies, enriching her professional insight and broadening her global perspective.
Previously, as Director of the Quality Assurance Department within Malta’s Ministry for Education, Jacqueline played a pivotal role in shaping national policy and regulatory frameworks for early childhood and compulsory education. She was a key contributor to two landmark national initiatives: the National Policy for Early Childhood Education and Care (0–7 years) for Malta and Gozo (2021) and the National Standards for Early Childhood Education and Care Services (0–3 years) (2021). Her expertise was further recognised through an invitation by the Commonwealth Secretariat to contribute to the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Toolkit for Commonwealth countries, published in 2022.
With nearly three decades of experience spanning early years, secondary, and tertiary education, Jacqueline brings a deep pedagogical understanding to her work. Her research centres on learner variability and the learning process, exploring instructional models that promote meaningful, inclusive learning in higher education. These insights enrich her strategic approach to quality assurance, positioning it not merely as a regulatory function but as a catalyst for academic innovation, student-centred design, and continuous improvement.
Throughout her career, Jacqueline has coached educators, delivered numerous presentations, and published both locally and internationally on learning processes in higher education. Her enduring focus on “learning how to learn” continues to shape her contributions to educational excellence and transformative quality practices.
