European perspective on the Validation of non-formal and informal learning
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The document outlines the EUCIS-LLL platform's insights on validating non-formal and informal learning in Europe, emphasizing its significance for learners and labor markets. It discusses various validation systems across Europe, particularly focusing on France and Portugal, and reviews EU recommendations for improving these validation processes. Key principles include ensuring educational equality, recognizing diverse learning pathways, and increasing stakeholder involvement to enhance transparency and accessibility.
European perspective on the Validation of non-formal and informal learning
- 1. Building a citizen’s voice on education and training issues EUCIS-LLL Platform European perspective on the Validation of Non-formal and Informal Learning Audrey Frith, Director, EUCIS-LLL Platform Karriere Oppland, Oslo Region 26 May 2014 European Civil Society Platform on Lifelong Learning
- 2. 33 European organisations working in education & training A unique European platform on Lifelong Learning
- 3. About us More than 45 000 educational institutions & associations ... covering formal, non-formal and informal learning ... reaching out millions beneficiaries Europeancivilsocietyplatformonlifelonglearning EUCIS-LLL – Validation of non-formal and informal learning – 26 May 2014
- 4. Europeancivilsocietyplatformonlifelonglearning EUCIS-LLL – Validation of non-formal and informal learning – 26 May 2014 Policy briefing •What do we mean by validation? Why is it so important? •European perspective: state of play •EU tools: Recommendation, Guidelines & Inventory •EU governance: the EQF Advisory Group •EUCIS-LLL perspective on VNFIL
- 5. Europeancivilsocietyplatformonlifelonglearning EUCIS-LLL – Validation of non-formal and informal learning – 26 May 2014 Why validation? For learners: • Second chances • Motivation to learn • Recognition of skills and competences acquired in NF & IF
- 6. Europeancivilsocietyplatformonlifelonglearning EUCIS-LLL – Validation of non-formal and informal learning – 26 May 2014 Why validation? Positive outcomes: • Increased learning and labour market opportunities • Self-awareness and self-confidence of learners • Flexible pathways • Recognition of different paths to learning • Saving money
- 7. Europeancivilsocietyplatformonlifelonglearning EUCIS-LLL – Validation of non-formal and informal learning – 26 May 2014 What do we mean? Various interpretations and terms
- 8. Europeancivilsocietyplatformonlifelonglearning EUCIS-LLL – Validation of non-formal and informal learning – 26 May 2014 European perspective EU Recommendation of 2012 Validation means a process of confirmation by an authorised body that an individual has acquired learning outcomes measured against a relevant standard and consists of the following four distinct phases: 1/ identification 2/ documentation 3/ assessment 4/ certification.
- 9. Europeancivilsocietyplatformonlifelonglearning EUCIS-LLL – Validation of non-formal and informal learning – 26 May 2014 Steps in the validation process
- 10. European perspective State of play Very different systems and approaches = problem of transparency and comparability at EU level
- 11. European perspective How does it look like in different countries? Formal system VFormal system Formal system V V
- 12. Europeancivilsocietyplatformonlifelonglearning EUCIS-LLL – Validation of non-formal and informal learning – 26 May 2014 European perspective Scope of validation systems • Exemptions to access the formal E-T systems • Exemptions to some modules • Access to some / all qualifications • Linked to NQFs or not
- 13. Europeancivilsocietyplatformonlifelonglearning EUCIS-LLL – Validation of non-formal and informal learning – 26 May 2014 European perspective France: a long tradition on validation • 30’s: access to HE (decree of 85) • 1992: validation of professional experience (VAP) • 2002: validation of life experience (VAE): all qualifications recognised by the state and social partners (RNCP) • 2009: new law stressing guidance and accompaniment Aimed to award an official formal qualification.
- 14. Europeancivilsocietyplatformonlifelonglearning EUCIS-LLL – Validation of non-formal and informal learning – 26 May 2014 European perspective France: policy developments • 2002: effort to describe standards based on LO especially in HE (resistance) to ensure VAE is possible • 2002: an individual right; measures in the private sector • 2009: effort on guidance: • training staff of structures in charge of LLL for adults • new services “the tutor for VAE” • centralised and regional websites
- 15. Europeancivilsocietyplatformonlifelonglearning EUCIS-LLL – Validation of non-formal and informal learning – 26 May 2014 European perspective France: governance • Awarding authorities (Ministries) design their own standards and assessment procedures (but 1 registration process “livret 1” et “livret 2” - portfolio). • Information and guidance: regional and local representatives of the Ministries (PIC), public employment services, social partners (i.e. OPCA), universities. • Implementation: qualification providers. Compulsory for all educational provider to develop VAE process for each awarded qualification (except regulated professions). • Delivery of diploma: rep. of awarding authorities.
- 16. Europeancivilsocietyplatformonlifelonglearning EUCIS-LLL – Validation of non-formal and informal learning – 26 May 2014 European perspective France: funding • Funding allocated to LLL: State and regional funding, FONGECIF (fund for individual training leave), OPCA (sectoral body that collects taxes for training)... • Specific support: i.e. 24 hours paid leave for workers to undertake validation processes (2002); VAE vouchers by regions; registration fees paid by Employment services, etc.
- 17. Europeancivilsocietyplatformonlifelonglearning EUCIS-LLL – Validation of non-formal and informal learning – 26 May 2014 European perspective Portugal: New Opportunities Initiatives • 2001: National system and centres for recognition, validation and certification of competencies (RVCC) • School process (basic or secondary education certificates) • VET process (VET qualification) • 2005: New Opportunities Initiative • 2006: Law to facilitate access to HE for non-traditional students
- 18. Europeancivilsocietyplatformonlifelonglearning EUCIS-LLL – Validation of non-formal and informal learning – 26 May 2014 European perspective Portugal: New Opportunities Initiatives • NOC: VET centres, basic and secondary schools, local and regional associations, etc. 454 by 2010. Provide info and guidance; • Develop RVCC processes under the coordination of ANQ created in 2007 = funded partly by ESF = problem of quality versus high flexibility, diversity of practices = resistance in HE
- 19. Europeancivilsocietyplatformonlifelonglearning EUCIS-LLL – Validation of non-formal and informal learning – 26 May 2014 European perspective What does the EU recommend? • Arrangements including the identification, documentation, assessment and certification of LO • Coherence with the EQF and NQFs • Synergies with EU transparency tools (Europass, Youthpass) and credit systems (ECTS, ECVET) • Target in particular disadvantaged groups and unemployed individuals
- 20. Europeancivilsocietyplatformonlifelonglearning EUCIS-LLL – Validation of non-formal and informal learning – 26 May 2014 European perspective What does the EU recommend? • Provide accompanying information and guidance • Implement transparent quality assurance measures • Develop the competences of staff involved in validation • Ensure compliance with standards similar to those of formal education • Ensure the involvement of stakeholders (among which E&T providers and civil society organisations)
- 21. Europeancivilsocietyplatformonlifelonglearning EUCIS-LLL – Validation of non-formal and informal learning – 26 May 2014 European perspective What does the EU recommend? • Ensure coordination between E&T, youth, employment implementation services and policies = Respects the diversity of models: does not say how the systems should work or its scope BUT it should be based on the same standards as in the formal system
- 22. Europeancivilsocietyplatformonlifelonglearning EUCIS-LLL – Validation of non-formal and informal learning – 26 May 2014 European tools Soft law • Recommendation of 2012 • European Inventory (September 2014) • European Guidelines (September 2014) • CEDEFOP report on the link between NQF and VNFIL
- 23. Europeancivilsocietyplatformonlifelonglearning EUCIS-LLL – Validation of non-formal and informal learning – 26 May 2014 European tools Governance • Advisory Group • Peer learning activities (1st in October 2014) • Roadmap for arrangements on VNFIL by 2018 • National reports by 2018 • Political response to the Recommendation
- 24. Europeancivilsocietyplatformonlifelonglearning EUCIS-LLL – Validation of non-formal and informal learning – 26 May 2014 European tools Support • ESF • Erasmus+
- 25. Europeancivilsocietyplatformonlifelonglearning EUCIS-LLL – Validation of non-formal and informal learning – 26 May 2014 EUCIS-LLL perspective Key principles • Validation as an individual right • Comprehensive arrangements: all sectors and levels • Diplomas/certificates should have the same value • Targeted measures to reach out to disadvantaged groups • Solutions adapted to learners’ specific needs • Recognise personal and social benefits of non-formal education • Stakeholders’ involvement • Educational institutions and their staff should be well prepared • Increase data collection
- 26. Europeancivilsocietyplatformonlifelonglearning EUCIS-LLL – Validation of non-formal and informal learning – 26 May 2014 EUCIS-LLL perspective Activities • Validation task force since beginning of 2013 • Partner of a project to raise awareness on validation “Building Learning Societies: Promoting Validation of Non-formal and Informal Learning” (Nov. 2013-Nov 2014) • Public debates in the European Parliament • Position papers, information notes and publications