Meta-frameworks of qualifications The European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning

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Meta-frameworks of qualifications The European Qualifications Framework for

1 Abu Dhabi, 5-6 April 2005 GCC Qualifications going global Towards internationally recognised qualifications frameworks in the GCC countries Meta-frameworks of qualifications The European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning Carlo Scatoli European Commission, DG Education and Culture ecdc.europa.eu

2 Qualifications frameworks bring together qualifications including and give them a structure connecting 2

3 National Qualifications => frameworks provide clarity about the relative position of qualifications * provide a way to compare qualifications # ensure an integrated system for lifelong learning provide a comprehensive profile of competences acquired in the - allow bridges between education country and training subsystems ~ help learners, employers, institutions to make informed choices SCQF, HKQF, NQF ZA, NFQ IE, DQR, 3

4 A transnational qualifications framework could bring together Connecting including ordering national qualifications directly Is this TQF a metaframework? 4

5 This TQF merges national qualifications frameworks and systems into a larger qualifications framework Is that possible without reforming nqfs? Without reforming the national education and training systems? 5

6 The only option for the European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning * a meta-framework * to connect, but not to merge nor reform National competenc es EU initiative the national qualifications systems the national and frameworks education and training systems 6

7 A EU meta-framework How to get there? The making of the EQF Shared perception of the need Agreement WHYon the response WHAT Agreement on the instrument HOW Explicit political consensus WHY, HOW, WHAT Further facilitate mobility of learners and workers Make qualifications more transparent and readable Develop a European meta-framework, making qualifications easier to understand throughout Europe, adopting a competence based approach 7

8 The making of the EQF Political consensus Joint report on the education and training strategy of 3 March 2004 Political consensus Education Council of 14 November 2004 the development of an open and flexible European qualifications framework, founded on transparency and mutual trust, which will stand as a common reference covering both VET and higher education, based mainly on competencies and learning outcomes. European Council of March 2005 (stressing learning mobility) and March 2006 (stressing labour mobility) 8

9 The making of the EQF Working group with experts from countries and stakeholders Nov June meetings Development of level descriptors based on learning outcomes Conference on qualifications frameworks in Europe, Glasgow September 2005 Europe-wide consultation July December contributions from national authorities and stakeholders Conference on EQF, Budapest, February 2006 Commission proposal of 5 September 2006 COM(2006)479 9

10 The making of the EQF Smooth legislative process: - no amendment to the levels descriptor - amendments to stress the opportunity for easier validation of non-formal learning - political agreement in November Recommendation of the European Parliament and the Council of 23 April 2008 EQF is a voluntary initiative Preparatory implementation group with representatives from national authorities and stakeholders two meetings in

11 A EU meta-framework What does it look like? (Very much like a national QF ) The structure of the EQF An overarching framework of eight levels covering lifelong learning (general and higher education, vocational training) defined through non-subject specific descriptors in terms of learning outcomes, organised around knowledge, skills, competence 11

12 The EQF level descriptors L E V E L 5 Knowledge Skills Competence comprehensive, specialised, factual and theoretical knowledge within a field of work or study and an awareness of the boundaries of that knowledge a comprehensive range of cognitive and practical skills required to develop creative solutions to abstract problems exercise management and supervision in contexts of work or study activities where there is unpredictable change review and develop performance of self and others (Very much like a national QF ) 12

13 Learning outcomes and qualifications frameworks What a learner knows, understands or is able to do at the end of a learning process The adoption of learning outcomes, as opposed to formal features to define qualifications, is essential for qualifications frameworks Learning outcomes allow connecting qualifications across sectors, systems (general education, vocational training, higher education) and considering non-formal learning 13

14 Learning outcomes and qualifications frameworks What a learner knows, understands or is able to do at the end of a learning process The adoption of learning outcomes, as opposed to formal features to define qualifications, is essential for qualifications meta-frameworks Learning outcomes allow connecting qualifications across sectors, systems (general education, vocational training, higher education), national boundaries, considering non-formal learning and connecting frameworks 14

15 The European Qualifications => Framework provides clarity about the relative position of qualifications throughout Europe * provides a way to compare qualifications in Europe # ensures an integrated reference system for the European lifelong learning area provide a comprehensive profile of competences acquired throughout Europe - allow bridges between education and training throughout Europe ~ help learners, employers, institutions to make informed choices throughout Europe EQF is a metaframework 15

16 A EU meta-framework What does it do? The EQF brings together Connecting systems - but not including, nor ordering them National qualifications frameworks and systems EQF is a metaframework 16

17 A EU meta-framework What does it do? The EQF brings together qualifications EQF is a metaframework by way of national systems and gives them further structure Connecting, including and ordering qualifications, but not directly 17

18 (Not so abstract as it sounds ) The EQF connects NQF/S The EQF connects and structures qualifications That s the action! 18

19 A EU meta-framework in action Implementing the EQF Member States to relate NQS/F to the EQF - to ensure that qualifications issued by competent authorities are related, via the NQS, to the EQF - to designate national coordination points to coordinate this referencing process ensuring a transparent methodology informing and involving stakeholders Countries may have more active bodies internally but should speak with one voice to the others 19

20 A EU meta-framework in action Coordinating the EQF Commission to support Member States and in particular set up an EQF advisory group to provide overall coherence and transparency of the referencing process EQF advisory group - Representatives of participating countries - Representatives of social partners and other stakeholders - Representative of the European Higher Education Area EHEA (Council of Europe) 20

21 A EU meta-framework in action Coordinating the EQF EQF advisory group Plenary meetings (March and September 2008, March, June, November 2009) Working groups on specific issues: - criteria and procedures for the referencing process - mutual trust - qualifications issued by sectoral organisations - ICT support tools EQF National Coordination Points Regular meetings of all NCP (March 2009, September 2009) 21

22 A EU meta-framework in action Coordinating the EQF The EQF advisory group has agreed on a set of criteria and procedures for the referencing process Common criteria EQF is a metaframe work Common criteria Peer to peer review Mutual trust 22

23 A EU meta-framework in action Coordinating the EQF Criteria and procedures in 10 points to ensure that the information made public - is validated by the competent authorities - is relevant and transparent - can be compared - generates trust 23

24 A EU meta-framework in action Coordinating the EQF The EQF referencing criteria and procedures have been developed taking into account and drawing upon the EHEA qualifications framework and its criteria and procedures for selfcertification 24

25 Meta-framework meets meta-framework The EHEA Framework is established in the context of a process of reform. A nationally driven process Not a EU initiative It requires national qualifications frameworks to be established as a tool to support the reform of the national higher education systems 25

26 Meta-framework meets meta-framework Both EQF and EHEA QF are metaframeworks. Their nature, purpose, objective, scope overlap, but are not the same. Qualification Participating levels countries EHEA EQF QF EQF EHEA QF 26

27 Two European meta-frameworks EHEA EQF International transparency of qualifications Transparency and comparability of qualifications International academic recognition of Mobility of learners and qualifications workers, across countries, sectors, systems International mobility of learners and graduates Easier validation of nonformal outcomes Based on learning Overlapping, but not the same Different, but compatible and coordinated 27

28 meta Thank you for your attention 28

Referencing the Danish Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning to the European Qualifications Framework

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