Auteur: Simon BroekDatum: 7 oktober 2009

A Reference framework of key competences of adult learning professionals

Presentation by Simon BroekResearch voor Beleid

Background the studyAction plan: improve the quality of provision in the adult learning sectorStudy “Adult learning professions in Europe (ALPINE)”Need for a reference framework of competences

Developing a common set of key competencesPropose flexible and alternative pathways for transfer of competences

Definition of “competence”:“Competences should be understood as a complex combination of knowledge, skills and abilities/attitudes, needed to carry out a specific (or a complex) task in a certain context leading to results.

Knowledge should be understood as a body of facts, concepts, ideas, principles, theories and practices, that is related to a field of practice, work of study; skills as a capacity learned or acquired through training, to perform actions by applying knowledge; and abilities/attitudes as physical, mental or emotional capacity to perform a task”

Result: the reference frameworkTwo remarks as an introduction:

1. Difference between reference framework and competence profile:

Reference framework is abstract, competence profile concrete with regard to:

ActivitiesCompetencesContext

2. All activities should be covered on a institutional level

Result: the reference framework2 levels of competences:

1. Generic competences (7)

2. Specific competencesDirectly related to the learning process (6)Supportive for the learning process (6)

The model will only mention the heading, the description contains information on knowledge, skills and attitudes

Context

Context

Learning/teaching

Programme/programme development

Institutional organisation/management

Leadership/CPL

Repetoire of activities

ActivitiesContext

Need assessment

Counselling and guidance activities

Programme development activities

Administrative support activities

ICT support activitiesAdult learning Professional

Preparation of courses

Facilitation of learning

Monitoring and evaluation

Financial management

Human resource management

Management of the quality

Marketing and PR

Network activities

Reference framework of key competences

B1 Competence for assessment of prior experience, learning needs,

demands, motivations and wishes of adult

learners

B2 Competence in designing an adult learning process

B3 Competence in facilitating the learning

process for adult learners

B4 Competence for continuously monitoring and evaluating the

adult learning process in order to improve the learning process

B5 Competentce in advising on career, life,

further development and possibly

professional help

B6 Competence in designing and constructing

study programmes

B7 Competence in management of

financial resources, financial streams in the adult learning

institute

B8 Competence in management of staff,

people management and human resources

B9 Competence in quality management and mission

development

B10 Competence in marketing and public

outreach

B11 Competence in dealing with administrative issues and

informing and supporting others

B12 Competence in facilitating ICT-based learning environments

and support

ActivitiesContext

Generic competences:A1 Personal competence: being a fully autonomous lifelong learnerA2 Interpersonal competences: being a communicator and team playerA3 Professional competence: being responsible for the further development of adult learningA4 Expertise (theoretical/ practical knowledge)*A5 Didactical competence* *A6 Competence in empowering adult learnersA7 Competences in dealing with diversity and groups

The content of the reference framework

The description of each competence contains the following information:

TitleDescription of the competence

KnowledgeSkillsAttitudes

Empirical underpinningContextual differences/clarificationsActivities related to/supported by this competence

What is specific for professionals in the adult learning sector as opposed to initial education?

Specificness is in the description, not in the headingsMore emphasis on diversity -> Competence A7: Dealing with diversity and groupsMore emphasis on motivating adults -> Competence A6: Empowering adult learnersUsing different learning methods, styles and techniques -> Included in A5, B2, B3, B6More emphasis on guidance -> See B5Using the expertise and background of the learners -> Competence A4

A quick look at A6: Competence in empowering the adult learners to learn and support themselves in their development into, or as, fully autonomous lifelong learners: being a motivator

Description: The adult learning professional is competent in empowering the adult learners to develop themselves towards-, or as autonomous lifelong learners. The professional is able to use different styles and techniques to motivate, empower and inspire adult learners in their learning process and is able to make clear the relevance of the learning from a broader perspective. The adult learning professional is responsible for creating a stimulating learning environment for adult learners.

Essential knowledge, skills and attitudes related to this competence:

Knowledge: The adult learning professional has knowledge on methods and techniques to stimulate, motivate and empower adult learners to learn and develop themselveshas knowledge of cultural differences of learners

Skills: The adult learning professional is able to motivate, stimulate and empower adult learners is able to communicate the relevance of the learning process within a wider perspectiveis able to bring in daily life

Attitudes: The adult learning professional is empathic is inspiring for adult learners

The activities-competences matrix

B1 Competence for assessment of prior experience, learning needs,

demands, motivations and wishes of adult

learners

B2 Competence in designing an adult learning process

B3 Competence in facilitating the learning

process for adult learners

B4 Competence for continuously monitoring and evaluating the

adult learning process in order to improve the learning process

B5 Competentce in advising on career, life,

further development and possibly

professional help

B6 Competence in designing and constructing

study programmes

B7 Competence in management of

financial resources, financial streams in the adult learning

institute

B8 Competence in management of staff,

people management and human resources

B9 Competence in quality management and mission

development

B10 Competence in marketing and public

outreach

B11 Competence in dealing with administrative issues and

informing and supporting others

B12 Competence in facilitating ICT-based learning environments

and support

ActivitiesContext

Generic competences:A1 Personal competence: being a fully autonomous lifelong learnerA2 Interpersonal competences: being a communicator and team playerA3 Professional competence: being responsible for the further development of adult learningA4 Expertise (theoretical/ practical knowledge)*A5 Didactical competence* *A6 Competence in empowering adult learnersA7 Competences in dealing with diversity and groups