Articulating qualifications frameworks, credit systems and validation for permeability in education and training

Transcription

1 Articulating qualifications frameworks, credit systems and validation for permeability in education and training Isabelle Le Mouillour Cedefop Conference: Developing cooperation between VET, higher education and adult learning Presentation title- to be Other info, venue, date, slide Num to be changed from View->Header Warsaw, 23 September

2 Defining permeability < routes into education and training more open and flexible learning pathways > (Bruges communiqué) Any mechanisms or provisions enabling, to learners, admission and access to learning opportunities on the basis of prior learning Characterised in terms of Direction Rationale Scope Formalisation Coordination There is no one-best way to support permeability Role of context for choice of certain mechanism/provision but also its success Impacting at the system level and prompt reflections on the capacity of the educational system to support its learners (Cedefop on-going study on credits and permeability) Presentation title- to be Other info, venue, date, slide Num to be changed from View->Header 2

3 Alternative routes to higher education Presentation title- to be Other Eurostudent (2011). Social and Economic Conditions of Student Life in Europe info, venue, date, slide Num to be changed from View->Header 3

4 Integration of the systems logics Qualification s Content Linkages Articulation Acquisition of qualification s Qualifications systems Standards Presentation title- to be Other info, venue, date, slide Num to be changed from View->Header Equivalence of learning (outcomes) Qualifications Frameworks 4

5 Typology of permeability mechanisms Presentation title- to be Other info, venue, date, slide Num to be changed from View->Header 5

6 What is needed to set up learning pathways? access common references or standards cooperation and communication between actors involvement of competent authorities methods for equivalence assessment and transfer agreements for recognition and validation portability of qualifications trust Presentation title- to be Other info, venue, date, slide Num to be changed from View->Header 6

7 Learning in a study programme Assessment Validation of learning outcomes using system designed for whole cohorts of candidates Standards (expected learning outcomes) Certificate for formal qualification is issued Personal activities Living in a community Working Identification of knowledge, skills and competences Documentation of evidence of learning outcomes Decision to reflect on Decision to make learning - the learning visible or importance of to produce a motivation and record of learning guidance experience Presentation title- to be Other info, venue, date, slide Num to be changed from View->Header Decision to seek and/or accept Informal (social) recognition Validation of learning outcomes using systems designed to be responsive to individual candidates Decision on need for any supplementary learning Cedefop (2009). European Guidelines for validating non-formal and informal learning. Decision on further learning and further qualification Outcomes other than certification such as job promotion or exemption from part of a formal learning programme 7

8 What is needed to set up learning pathways? To consider: The education and training system Development of qualifications frameworks The design of pathways Instruments to support permeability Validation Presentation title- to be Other info, venue, date, slide Num to be changed from View->Header 8

9 31 countries link their qualifications levels to the EQF By 2010 By 2011 By 2012 Denmark France Ireland Malta UK have linked their NQFs to EQF estimated dates, EQF AG (April 2011) EQF is becoming a reality Presentation title- to be Other info, venue, date, slide Num to be changed from View->Header 9

10 Frameworks and progression in education and training 1) Integrated national qualifications frameworks Permeability, progression, one logic for all level descriptors, Levels 6-8 are explicitly open to qualifications awarded outside the traditional higher education area (defined by the EHEA) 2) Clear divide between level 1-5 and 6-8 of EQF Level 1-5 descriptors and level 6-8 descriptors different logics Levels 6-8 are not open to qualifications awarded outside traditional higher education area (defined by EHEA) 3) Parallel level structures and descriptors at levels 6-8 of EQF Levels 6-8 are open to all qualifications but distinguishes different strands of qualifications, with different or same descriptors Presentation title- to be Other info, venue, date, slide Num Cedefop to be changed (2010). from Linking View->Header credit systems and qualifications framework Cedefop (2010). The development of national qualifications frameworks in Europe 10

11 European credit system for VET (ECVET) Making learning portable and build up qualifications Transfer learning outcomes between different VET systems and pathways Supports learners get their learning outcomes validated and recognized Contributes to building individualised learning paths leading to qualification, within and across borders of E&T systems Countries are preparing for ECVET implementation ECVET is associated to reforms of education and training (drop-outs, access, mobility within national VET systems, ) Permeability is definitively an objective (linked to national qualifications frameworks and revision of qualifications standards) Most European VET systems have officially ECVET (credit systems, credit arrangements) on their agenda Presentation title- to be Other info, venue, date, slide Num Cedefop to be changed (2011). from Development View->Header of ECVET in Europe, forthcoming 11

12 How do qualifications frameworks and credit systems operate? As mechanism Qualifications frameworks Levels Procedures for referencing Catalogue(s) of qualifications offered Credit systems Units Credit points Rules for accumulation and transfer As process Inclusion/exclusion of qualifications Stakeholders involvement Remits of stakeholders concerned To practice transfer and open-up qualifications and programmes Presentation title- to be Other info, venue, date, slide Num Cedefop to be changed (2010). from Linking View->Header credit systems and qualifications frameworks 12

13 Presentation title- to be Other info, venue, date, slide Num to be changed from View->Header Cedefop Pilot Study on Europass, ECVET and EQF for Documentation, Validation and Certification of Learning Outcomes 13

14 Important aspects to be considered Permeability depends upon decisions on access criteria articulation of the content of qualifications and programmes The governance of the qualifications system If progression is a requirement qualifications/units designed and updated in a coordinated manner many awarding bodies are concerned, high level of complexity The individuals Interest for progression routes Guarantee for credits to be recognised? on case by case? costs of recognition process, reputation demand from learners or the industry might reach the critical masse Presentation title- to be Other info, venue, date, slide Num to be changed from View->Header 14

15 Thank you for your attention Isabelle Le Mouillour (ECVET, qualifications & learning outcomes) Area Enhanced Cooperation in VET and Lifelong Learning Postal address: PO Box GR Thessaloniki (Finikas) Tel Mail: Website: Presentation title- to be Other info, venue, date, slide Num to be changed from View->Header 15

16 For your further reading, Cedefop (2009). European Guidelines for validating non-formal and informal learning. Cedefop (2010). The ECVET development in Europe Cedefop (2010). The development of national qualifications frameworks in Europe Cedefop (2010). Linking credit systems and qualifications framework Cedefop (2011). Presentation title- to be Other info, venue, date, slide Num to be changed from View->Header 16