towards a european qualifications framework for lifelong learning vienna, 21 october 2005 michael...
TRANSCRIPT
Towards a European Towards a European Qualifications Framework for Qualifications Framework for
Lifelong LearningLifelong Learning
Vienna, 21 October 2005Vienna, 21 October 2005Michael TeutschMichael Teutsch
European CommissionEuropean Commission
Functions of the EQFFunctions of the EQF
Neutral reference pointNeutral reference point based on
learning outcomeslearning outcomes
Translation deviceTranslation device for comparing qualifications
The European Qualifications The European Qualifications FrameworkFramework
• Bologna and Copenhagen
• Focus on Qualifications
• Reflects an explicit need
• Expert group
Consultation—
Not a final recommendatio
n
Our Lifelong Learning Our Lifelong Learning Experience: Obstacles!Experience: Obstacles!
• within and between within and between countriescountries
• between education and between education and training systemstraining systems
• to use of acquired to use of acquired skillsskills
• to new learningto new learning
A basis for co-operationA basis for co-operation
• EQF EQF implementation is implementation is voluntaryvoluntary
• Entails Entails no legal no legal obligationsobligations on on Member States or Member States or sectorssectors
• Fosters changeFosters change by by supporting and supporting and informing reforminforming reform
What EQF is NOT!What EQF is NOT!
• EQFEQF not about not about replacingreplacing national/sectoral national/sectoral frameworksframeworks
• EQFEQF not about not about harmonisationharmonisation
• EQFEQF CANNOT define CANNOT define new qualificationsnew qualifications
The Main The Main
elements elements
of the of the EQFEQF
EQF Level 1EQF Level 1
EQF Level 2EQF Level 2
EQF Level 3EQF Level 3
EQF Level 4EQF Level 4
EQF Level 5EQF Level 5
EQF Level 6EQF Level 6
EQF Level 7EQF Level 7
EQF Level 8EQF Level 8
Country ACountry A Country BCountry B
Q
Q
Q
NQF/
NQS
NQF/
NQS
NQF/
NQS
Q
Q
Q
Q
NQF/
NQS
NQF/
NQS
NQF/
NQS
NQF/
NQS
Swedish post-secondary engineering
education (Påbygnadsutbildning)
= EQF Level 4 = Irish post secondary education at national
level 6 (Advanced certificate)
EE QQ FF
The Eight EQF LevelsThe Eight EQF Levels
EachEQF
Reference Level
Knowledge
Skills
Wider personal and professional competences
Focus on Learning OutcomesFocus on Learning Outcomes
EQFEQF
LearningOutcomes
Non-Form
al LearningFormal Learning
Info
rmal
Lea
rnin
g
Using the EQFUsing the EQF
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Table 1: Learning Outcomes
Aimed at qualifications authorities, experts: makes translations between systems and
frameworks possible
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Table 2: Supporting InformationNeeds to be compiled and completed at
national or sectoral level
Linking qualifications to the EQF: Linking qualifications to the EQF: the role of the role of nationalnational authorities authorities
• Commitments to link national qualifications to EQF
• Long term reform process
• Learning outcome-based qualifications?
• National Framework of Qualifications?
Linking qualifications to the EQF: Linking qualifications to the EQF: the role of the role of nationalnational authorities authorities
• Clear link between national qualifications and the EQF levels
• Self-certification
• Transparency of procedures
• Publishing of results
Linking qualifications to the EQF: Linking qualifications to the EQF: the role of the role of sectoral sectoral stakeholdersstakeholders
• Sectors have expressed the need for a common reference point
• Focus on an outcomes and competence based approach
• Follow up of Maastricht Communique
Linking qualifications to the EQF: Linking qualifications to the EQF: the role of the role of sectoral sectoral stakeholdersstakeholders
• Invite sectors to link sectoral qualifications to EQF
• Facilitate sector internal competence developments
• Facilitate link between national and sectoral qualifications
• Ongoing work in the ICT sector exemplifies this approach
ConsultationConsultationEurope-wide consultation process from July to December 2005:
• 32 countries in ‘Education and Training 2010’
• Bologna follow-up group
• European Social Partner organisations
• Industry & sector organisations
• Education and training NGO’s
Next steps: Preparation of Next steps: Preparation of Commission proposal Commission proposal
• Consultation process – until December 2005
• Analysis and discussion of results at Budapest conference end February 2006
• Commission draft Recommendation mid-2006
• Informal Ministerial Meeting March 2006
Next steps: support to stakeholders Next steps: support to stakeholders
• Testing and experimentation in countries and sectors
• EU funding for testing
• Establishment of network on national and sectoral frameworks
• International workshop on national and sectoral frameworks
SummarySummary
• 8 common reference levels (learning outcomes)
• Common principles support EQF levels and provide guidelines for cooperation
• A range of tools and instruments for individuals
• Commitment from national and sectoral bodies