Search

Showing total 3 results
3 results

1. Identification and Validation of Prior and Informal Learning. Experiences, Innovations and Dilemmas. Discussion Paper = Ermittlung und Validierung von fruher bzw.informell erworbenen Kenntnissen. Erfahrungen, Innovationen, Probleme. Diskussionspapier = Identification et validation de l'apprentissage anterieur et informel. Experiences, innovations et problemes. Document de discussion. CEDEFOP Panorama.

Author

European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, Thessaloniki (Greece). and Bjornavold, Jens

Abstract

During the last 5-10 years, a number of countries have introduced methods and systems for identifying, validating, and recognizing prior and nonformal learning that can be viewed as tools for improving the transparency and transfer of skills. In most cases, they have been operational for a comparatively short time, which makes it difficult to decide whether expectations regarding them are justified. Some of the most important initiatives and innovations connected with the identification and validation of prior and nonformal learning include examples from Australia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, and United Kingdom. The French, Australian, Irish, and British methodologies are based on related principles, introducing different versions of portfolios, dossiers, or passports. Finland, Germany, and Japan have been reluctant to introduce the portfolio method. In spite of similarities in design, countries tend to apply the methodologies in different ways. This difference may be seen as a difference between centralized and decentralized systems. Initiatives and ideas on a European level are the Individual Portfolio Project and the Personal Skills Card and the European Skills Accreditations system. Some basic questions related to the legitimacy of the new methods and systems deal with the institutional basis, flexibility versus fragmentation, transparency and visibility, and transfer. (German, English, and French versions appear in side-by-side columns. Appendixes contain 27 references and 18 notes.) (YLB)

Published
1997

2. Recognition and Transparency of Vocational Qualifications; The Way Forward. Discussion Paper = Anerkennung und Transparenz von beruflichen Befahigungsnachweisen; Neue Wege. Diskussionspapier = Reconnaissance et transparence des qualifications professionelles; La voie a suivre. Document de discussion. CEDEFOP Panorama.

Author

European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, Thessaloniki (Greece)., Bjornavold, Jens, and Sellin, Burkart

Abstract

The European Union's most important challenge is to establish permanent, reliable methodologies and systems that support transparency and recognition of vocational qualifications. The concept of "transparency of qualifications" has replaced "recognition" and "comparability.""Transparency" points to the need to make national qualifications more visible and understandable to outsiders; the introduction of common standards is an unnecessary implication. In the 4 decades since the establishment of the European Community, the problems of recognition and transparency of vocational qualifications have been addressed in various ways. Three distinct stages have been identified: harmonization of vocational education and training (1957-73); approximation of vocational training levels (1974-92); and convergence of vocational training (1992-present). A number of projects with partners from several countries have been set up through the Leonardo da Vinci program to address core elements of the transparency problem. Other initiatives have addressed the problem of recognition and comparison of nonformal skills. Unfortunately, the exchange of information is too weak, interpretation too poor, and mechanisms supporting exchange of information and interpretation insufficiently developed. Two complementary strategies to increase transparency and mutual trust have been suggested: a European Qualifications' Transparency Network and a general system of binding agreements among the European countries. (Page format using three columns offer German, English, and French language versions.) (YLB)

Published
1997

3. Anticipating Occupational and Qualificational Developments: Recommendations and Conclusions Based on a Review of Recent Innovations in Methods and Instruments Applied in the European Union = Antizipation von Berufs-und Qualifikationsentwicklungen... = Prevoir le developpement des professions et des qualifications.... CEDEFOP Panorama Series.

Author

European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, Thessaloniki (Greece). and Sellin, Burkat

Abstract

CEDEFOP (European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training) reviewed vocational education and training trends and innovations to promote "anticipation" in the way, tools, and instruments by which institutions and bodies cope with new challenges to education and training due to changing socioeconomic demands and requirements. Anticipated challenges for systems and provisions are an aging population and increasing acceleration of changes in: (1) attitudinal patterns; (2) technological, communication, and work organizational patterns; (3) behavioral attitudes linked to family building and lifestyles; and (4) new forms of flexible work. These have provoked extension of tasks and improvement or creation of institutes, tools, and instruments for anticipating trends in occupational and qualificational developments. Recommendations are a trade-off between economic performance and concerns of equity and social cohesion; including social partner organizations and professionals; continuous, permanent effort to renew occupational profiles and standards; transparent structure of occupational and training standards and levels; strengthened university research capacity; sectoral, regional, national, or European scenarios and strategies; and European network of institutes and bodies responsible for the technical/professional promotion of vocational education and training and development of new occupational and training standards. (French and German versions are provided. Two appendixes are conclusions from individual country reports and an extract on European trends in the evolution of occupations and qualifications.) (YLB)

Published
2001