- ECVET- 19 october 2011
www.ecvet-team.eu
Synergies between European initiatives & ECVET EQAVET EQF ECVET NIFL Non formal and informal learning
ECVET: one of several EU tools! The European credit system for vocational education and training (ECVET) is one of several European tools designed to make qualifications systems more easily understood and flexible throughout the European Union (EU) and so support more mobility for workers and learners
Recommendation
Article 1: Motivation! The development and recognition of citizens knowledge, skills and competence are crucial for their personal and professional development and for competitiveness, employment and social cohesion in the Community.! transnational mobility for workers and learners! towards requirements if supply and demand in the European labour market! borderless lifelong learning! transfer, recognition and accumulation of individuals learning outcomes achieved in! formal, non-formal and informal contexts
Article 6: Purpose! The purpose of this Recommendation is to create a European Credit System for Vocational Education and Training ( ECVET ) intended to! facilitate the transfer, recognition and accumulation of assessed learning outcomes of individuals who are aiming to achieve a qualification.! general understanding of citizens learning outcomes! transparency, lifelong learning! mobility and portability of qualifications! national level between various sectors of the economy and within the labour market
Article 8: Relation with EQF! ECVET is applicable for all learning outcomes which should in principle be achievable through a variety of education and learning paths at all levels of the European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning ( EQF ), and then be transferred and recognised.! It facilitates the development of flexible and individualised pathways! the recognition of those learning outcomes which are acquired through non-formal and informal learning.
The objectives of ECVET! Instrument for mobility and recognition! recognition of learners achievements! stimulating exchanges and mutual trust Supporting mobility of European citizens! recognition of learning outcomes without extending learners education and training pathways Facilitating lifelong learning
Summative character Host provider 1 Learning agreement Sending provider The individual acquires KSC 2 3 The (unit) learning outcomes are assessed Learning outcomes are recognised and 7 accumulated as part of the intended qualificafon, corresponding ECVET points are included 6 Credit is validated Credit is awarded for the individual learning outcomes achieved Learner s credit in a individual transcript of record 4 5
ECVET objectives and technical components Transna&onal mobility Lifelong learning R e c o g n i t i o n Learning outcomes Transparency of qualifica&ons Accumula&on process Transfer process Units of learning outcomes ECVET points Transcript of record Assessment of learning outcomes Valida&on of learning outcomes Recogni&on of learning outcomes Memorandum of understanding (partnership) Learning agreements Learners transcripts of record
Results FORUM MADRID Conditions for ECVET implementation
Conditions! Active involvement of relevant stakeholders in the process! Ensuring that the added value of ECVET is understood and perceived within systems! Formalised implementation strategy! Adjustments in the organisation, contents and delivery process of qualifications! Appropriate training of trainers, assessors, practitioners, all actors
Challenges and obstacles
Challenges and obstacles (1)! Learning outcomes are still a goal not yet a common achievement! Quantitative implications of LO less accepted than qualitative ones (credit points perceived as not being the only means for giving value)
Challenges and obstacles (2)! Strong differences in assessment approaches, procedures, tools, assessors profiles, across countries and VET segments! Unit-based approach to qualifications is not consolidated within all systems (and even when it is the case, comparability is not automatically ensured)
Some possible solutions
Some possible solutions (1)! Progressive convergence of EU tools! Flexible approach to implementation (i.e. to such issues as LO description, units, credits and recognition) and connection with the reality of the labour market (start from jobs key activities)! Build upon existing teaching /assessing practices (not to be dismantled)
Some possible solutions (2)! Production of practical, easy-to handle, supporting tools (handbook, guidelines, etc.), in national language and not too many at a time! Synergies between development projects and piloting experiences
European initiatives! Individuals perspective ECVET, ECTS NQF/EQF Validating INFL On the job Non formal Learning outcomes Knowledge, skills, competence Lifelong guidance and counselling Formal On the job On the job On the job Lifelong Learning Pathway Informal Formal
Rob van Wezel r.vanwezel@kch.nl