Jerzy Rozwadowski The West Pomeranian Business School Poland EQF PRO GRID FOR MARCO LEVEL APPROACH (POLISH NATIONAL CONTEXT) 1.Introduction In December 2006, the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education decided to undertake the first actions for constructing the National Qualification Structures based on the documents, processes and regulations edited by the EU Parliament and Council related to the European Qualification Framework and Lifelong Learning Process. This decision has described the most important targets of National Qualification Structures, organization composed of the representative bodies responsible for the implementation. We are now at the 4 th - 5 th stage of the implementation of the National Qualification Structures in Poland, while 10 is planned. Tab.1 Scenario for NQS implementation in Poland 1 Decision By MNiSzW, summer 2006 2 Setting agenda, the purpose of NQF By MNiSzW, autumn 2006 1
3 Organizing the process: stakeholders, committees By MNiSzW, autumn 2006 4 Design By Working Group, first draft of NQF Jamuary 2008 5 Consultation Academic year 2008/09/10 6 Approval By MNiSzW in 2009/10? 7 Administrative set-up 2010? 8 Implementation at institutional level 2010? Pilot project earlier? 9 Inclusion of qualification in NQF 2011? 10 Self-certification 2012? Source: prof. Ewa Chmielecka National (Polish) Qualification Framework Working Group Information on the National Qualification Framework for HE in Poland. At the same time, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education has nominated the Working Group for NQS among the Bologna Process Expert and other representatives of influencial institutions. 2
The main task of the Group was to prepare the draft of the NQS (NQF) in Poland and present the results to the Ministry and the Steering Committee. The result of Working Group s effort was the draft of NQS, presented in January 2008, and approved in April 2008. The main issues of the draft project of the Polish NQF (January 2008) are the following: 1. Introduction - The Bologna Process and the Qualification Frameworks - Expectations towards the NQF - Implementation of the NQF typical agenda 2. National Qualification Framework general characteristics 3. Implementation of the Polish NQF characteristics of steps and agenda. Changes in law. 4. Elements of the Polish NQF: - Levels of HE main cycles - Descriptors of levels based on learning outcomes - Profiles - Fields and domains of studies - Informal and non-formal education achievements - ECTS points - How to built curriculum on the base of learning outcomes - External quality assurance - Internal quality assurance systems 5. Students in the NQF 6. Short glossary of the terms used 7. What is next? This report encompasses the main questions to be solved in Poland in area of qualification at the higher education level. 2. European Qualification Structure versus Polish Qualification Structure European Parliament and Commission within EQF has defined 8 levels of education, 3 sorts of effects (knowledge, skills, competence), and compatibility with Bologna Qualification Structure. 3
In Polish education system, we have noted eight formal and direct levels of education relative to the levels defined by EU. This represents Tab. 2. Tab. 2 Formal and direct levels of education in Poland EQF levels Polish education system level Time period (years) Level 1 Nursery school from 3 to 6 Level 2 Primary school from 7 to 13 Level 3 Grammar school from 13 to 16 Level 4 Higher school from 16 to 18 or 16 19 Level 5 Post higher school from 18 to 20 Level 6 Bachelor (in Polish: licencjat) study from 18 to 21 or 22 Level 7 Master study from 21 to 23 or 18 23 Level 8 Doctorate study any time after Master study Within formal levels of education, there are indirect levels of education which are regulated by different institutions and ministers, among them - Ministry of Science and Higher Education. Ministry of Science and Higher Education is responsible for the 6 th, 7 th and 8 th level of education. Education at the level 1 st to 5 th is being managed by the Ministry of Education. Very important role in Poland is completing so called Maturity Certificate. This document is a specific pass to the higher education system (level 6, 7, 8). Without the Maturity Certificate, it is impossible to get to the 6 th level. Any other education or training is not sufficient to cross that barrier either. Another problem at the level 6 th 8 th are all indirect and informal forms of education (post graduate study, MBA study, in company trainings etc.). This forms are recognized by business sectors and other sectors of economy, but are not accepted by the formal higher education system as an additional qualifications (beyond of ECTS system). 4
Concluding, higher education system in Poland is deeply fossilized and obsolete. It needs a general reform which will adjust the system to the new regulations of EU (in area of EQF) as soon as possible. It is very important and urgent issue for Polish Qualification Framework Working Group, Ministry of Science and HE, and other stakeholders on central and regional level. Moreover, what must be mentioned is the problem of acceptance and recognition of these changes by influencial bodies like professors, students, associations of scientists and other stakeholders operating on different decisive levels of the higher education sector. 5