Research on Key Elements of Total Quality Management of Online Teaching in Colleges and Universities: Based on Grounded Theory

This research explores the fundamental components of Total Quality Management (TQM) in online teaching at colleges and universities through the lens of grounded theory. The study highlights the pivotal role of teaching and education in higher education institutions and emphasizes the direct influence of teaching quality on student development. With the increasing adoption of online teaching methodologies such as blended learning and flipped classrooms, the advantages and potential of online education have become increasingly apparent. The research investigates the correlation between quality issues and quality control within the framework of TQM, emphasizing its application in higher education to enhance teaching quality. The study utilizes grounded theory to analyze and synthesize data from CNKI literature, policy documents in China, and interviews with educators, leading to the identification of 34 concepts that contribute to enhancing online teaching quality. These concepts are classified into 12 domains and 6 main categories, which are integrated into a theoretical model for TQM in online teaching. The research concludes that a systematic approach to TQM is crucial for continuously improving online teaching quality while aligning with students' educational needs as well as societal demands.