The use of Diploma Suppelement Susanna Kärki Susanna.karki@oph.fi This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication [communication] reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. Hanke on rahoitettu Euroopan komission tuella.tästä julkaisusta (tiedotteesta) vastaa ainoastaan sen laatija, eikä komissio ole vastuussa siihen sisältyvien tietojen mahdollisesta käytöstä. Projektet genomförs med ekonomiskt stöd från Europeiska kommissionen. Föruppgifterna i denna publikation (som är ett meddelande) ansvarar endastupphovsmannen. Europeiska kommissionen tar inget ansvar för hur dessa uppgifter kan komma att användas.
Content Aim and purpose of the Diploma Supplement A Finnish case study International work for the revision of the DS
The aim and purpose of the DS: what s in it for HEIs? For students: a qualification that is more readable and easily comparable abroad; a precise description of their academic career and the competencies acquired during their studies; easier access to opportunities for work or further studies abroad. For higher education institutions: more transparent qualifications (thanks to easier academic and professional recognition); continued national/institutional autonomy within a common framework accepted throughout Europe; informed judgements about qualifications that can be understood in other educational contexts; greater visibility of the institution abroad; enhanced employment prospects for their graduates, both at home and abroad; time savings by answering many of the questions commonly asked of institutions about the content and portability of their qualifications.
The Diploma Supplement in Finland - a case study Susanna Kärki 4
DS - the Finnish example Finnish higher education institutions adopted Diploma Supplement early: DS were issued in the 1990 s Already from 1995 Finnish legislation has required HEIs to issue DS, first on request, but from 1.8.2005 automatically From the beginning, representatives of different stake holders in Finland, e.g. Ministry, ENIC/NARIC, students and social partners have actively taken part into the development of DS, both in Finland and internationally The motivation: the internationalization of HEIs
DS in Finland, practical aspects The process begun with massive translating of everything: curriculum, course descriptions etc. New processes were established: e.g. each new course description would automatically be produced in English also, student workload calculated into ECTS etc. This work contributed to the adoption of the ECTS and DS both as well as internationalization of the HEIs (course information, websites, international co-operation). The Finnish National Board of Education supports higher education institutions in preparing and issuing their DS National guidelines, training and peer learning, international examples
The European Higher Education Area Advisory Group on Diploma Supplement revision Susanna Kärki 7
The European Higher Education Area Advisory Group on Diploma Supplement revision The group has reference to the report of the pathfinder group on automatic recognition and the Yerevan Communiqué The group is consisted of the representatives of various organisations that have an interest on the Diploma Supplement, and of national experts (Albania, Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Finland, France, Italy, FYROM, Romania and Russia). The Advisory Group on the Revision of the Diploma Supplement is mandated to support the Council of Europe, the European Commission and UNESCO in reviewing the Diploma Supplement, in cooperation with stakeholders.
Why a revision? a) There s a lot of variety how the current template is understood; mostly the template is seen as sufficient for the aims of the DS but its use needs streamlining. b) Mostly the DS is seen as a tool for academic recognition, but it can also serve employers; the aim and purpose of the DS needs clarifying. c) The level of national support on implementing DS varies a lot: need for clear international guidelines for a DS. d) Bringing learning outcomes into the DS. e) Digitalisation and future-proofing the document.
Aims for the work: specific tasks as defined To develop a proposal for a revised version of the Diploma Supplement; To consult with external stakeholders; To present to the BFUG (Bologna Follow-up Group) a finalised draft for consultation To disseminate the adopted version of the revised DS and to promote its use.
Thank you! susanna.karki@oph.fi www.europass.fi/education_institutions/diploma_supplement Susanna Kärki 11