Introduction to the European Credit system for Vocational Education and Training ECVET EACEA Expert briefing Brussels 25 March 2010 European Commission, DG EAC Unit A3 Michel ARIBAUD What is ECVET? 1
ECVET is a technical framework for the transfer, recognition and, where appropriate, accumulation of individuals learning outcomes with a view to achieving a qualification [ ]. ECVET is intended to facilitate the recognition of learning outcomes in accordance with national legislation, in the framework of mobility, for the purpose of achieving a qualification [ ]. Rec. of the EP and of the Council, 18/06/2009 The potential of ECVET 2
From Mobility to mobilities : Recognition of LO gained abroad (Geographical mobility) LLL Progressive achievement of a qualification Validation of non-formal and informal learning ECVET: the momentum 3
The shift to learning outcomes : Learning outcomes: statements of what a learner knows, understands and is able to do on completion of learning (EQF, 2008) Transition from input based VET qualifications to output oriented VET qualification -» disjunction learning process / outcomes Openness to all types of learning contexts (formal, non formal, informal ) ECVET: a simple idea 4
Learning context B Non formal Transcript of record Learning context A Formal Assessment of L.O. Credit for L.O. Validation of L.O. Recognition of L.O. Accumulation of L.O. Qualification context (A) Context A Qualification The learning outcomes gained are accumulated and are now an integrated part of his qualification 5
ECVET: a simple idea and some technical principles The ECVET package (annex to the Recommendation of the EP and of the Council) Concepts and glossary (prealable) Description of qualifications in units of learning outcomes (main) Transfer Process (assessment, validation, recognition and accumulation of learning outcomes) and partnerships using Learning agreements and MoU (essential) ECVET points allocated to qualifications and to units (additional) 6
ECVET is a «unit of learning outcomes» based credit accumulation and transfer system 13 ECVET: a Recommendation and complementary tools 7
The Recommendation: Recom. To MS Commission s intention Annexes 1 and 2 Flyers Brochure Questions and answers Users guides European ECVET network website Studies (ECVET Reflector, Connexion; Cedefop) ECVET in three dates: 18-06-2009: adoption of the Recommendation of the EP and of the Council on ECVET 2012: MS have adopted measures for progressive implementation of ECVET 2014: report to the EP and the Council and review 8
What an ECVET project is - 1) A project dealing with: The application of the ECVET principles contained in the Recommendation of the EP and of the Council: Qualifications (all EQF levels) Units Allocation of points Assesment-validation-accumulationrecognition processes - 9
- 2) A project involving: The relevant institutions competent for VET qualifications*: Chambers National, regional or sectoral authorities Training providers * designing, awarding, assessing etc : depending of the legal framework. - 3) A project aiming at applying ECVET: To one qualification, several qualifications or a qualifications system For geographical mobility For the validation of learning outcomes and the achievement of qualifications For enhancing flexibility and permeability of VET and qualifications systems in the fields of IVET, CVET, adult education with a sectoral, multi-sectoral or trans-sectoral approach 10
- Results expected: some examples qualification standards or lists of learning outcome units, with associated ECVET points; operational arrangements, procedures and tools for: Assessment, validation and accumulation of learning outcomes (including validation of non-formal and informal learning) Progressive achievement of qualifications using ECVET principles Transfer and recognition of learning outcomes and credits from one country to another, from one system to another What an ECVET project is not 11
- A project : Dealing only with the design of training programme, Reinventing ECVET instead of applying ECVET Ignoring the Recommendation of the EP and the Council Avoiding the involvement/commitment of competent institutions Confusing ECVET and ECTS Be careful with: 12
Quality of the applicants/partners: Legitimacy Role in the qualification and ECVET processes Authority Representativness Competency and experience in the field Projects coming from bodies not directly linked to VET and VET qualifications (e.g. Universities associations of professions coming for higher education ) Projects dealing with studies (comparative studies, preparatory studies ) Projects focused on e-learning or on web-tools Projects coming from non legitimate bodies Wordy projects and projects promising the moon! 13
Importance of ECVET projects - From principles to implementation - Examples: ECVET pilot projects (specific calls LdV) - Coordination of Pilot projects website http://www.ecvet-projects.eu/default.aspx - ECVET projects bulletin http://www.ecvet-projects.eu/bulletins/registration.aspx For further information: DG EAC s website: http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-policy/doc50_en.htm E-mail: eac-info@ec.europa.eu 14
Thank you for your attention! 15