Presentation of WBLQUAL Project: An Approach to Qualifications through Negotiated Work-based Learning for the EU.
- 1. Strategic, Tactical and Operational Considerations for Academia Involvement in WBL – Results from WBLQUAL, an EU Funded Project Janusz Kornecki, Karolina Tomczyk University of Lodz, Poland This project is co-funded by the European Union
- 2. The presentation will cover: • The research methodology for WP5 • WBL compared to traditional educational models • Conceptual analysis of WBL in HEI at 3 levels • Findings from the WBLQUAL WP5 research • Key messages for HEIs in WBL implementation • Conclusions This project is co-funded by the European Union
- 3. The primary research tools for WP5: • Country Specific Reports – an overall picture of HE systems the UK, Italy, Denmark, Latvia and Poland • In-depth interviews, at different levels of HEI management – strategic (interviews with senior university managers including rectors, faculty deans, chancellors) – tactical (faculty managers, quality directors, finance managers) – operational (academics, programme leaders, administration). • This project is co-funded by the European Union
- 4. WBL compared to traditional educational models: • Two way transfer of knowledge, innovation and expertise (between academia and industry) • Closer alignment of universities with economic drivers and the needs of the labour market and the workplace • Workforce development through academic programmes leading to sustainable improvements in productivity and performance in the workplace • WBL learners gain qualifications that are robust and relevant to their needs in the workplace • HEIs adapting to changing demographic profiles and economic conditions in the workplace This project is co-funded by the European Union
- 5. Advantages of WBL to HEIs: • HE is more likely to have continuing relevance • HE more responsive to changes in organisation of work, employment patterns & skill requirements • Recognises the rise of the ‘knowledge economy’ – learning seen as integral feature of working • Allows HE to ‘play to its strengths’ in assessing and accrediting learning outcomes This project is co-funded by the European Union
- 6. Conceptual analysis of WBL in HEI at 3 levels: Level Activity Targets Strategic ‘Thinking the Rector, Chancellor, Dean right things’ Tactical Optimizing Finance Director, Quality resources Director, Faculty Managers Operational ‘Doing the Programme Leaders, right things’ Academics, Administrators This project is co-funded by the European Union
- 7. Findings from the WBLQUAL WP5 research: • EU countries are very diverse in terms of WBL thinking • Government encouragement to HEIs is most important driver of WBL engagement • WBL growth important for HEIs considering WBL engagement • The Tripartite approach is viable for addressing employers’ strategic and staff development objectives • Barriers to WBL engagement include the national accreditation legal framework • HEI structures are also important as barrier or enabler This project is co-funded by the European Union
- 8. Key messages for HEIs in WBL implementation: Strategic level • Strategic institutional commitment to WBL • Customer focus - dialogue with employers and learners • Effective APEL in place Tactical level • Optimisation-driven monitoring of WBL activities • Curriculum design • Human and physical resources including educational technology This project is co-funded by the European Union
- 9. Key messages for HEIs in WBL implementation: Operational level • Communication between stakeholders • Responsiveness to employer/learner needs • Adequate processes and procedures • Reliable quality assurance processes • Impact and cost-benefit measurement • Measured WBL outcomes • Appropriate procedures to feedback quality issues to employers This project is co-funded by the European Union
- 10. Conclusions: • Great scope for further WBL development • WBL growth needs more flexibility in HEI sector • WBL issues need to be addressed all three levels: Strategic - long-term relationship with employers Tactical - ‘buy in’ from middle management Operational - commitment and understanding by administrational and delivery staff This project is co-funded by the European Union