Transcript Document

The EQF – European
Qualifications Framework
Aims, consultation results and
next steps
Martina Ní Cheallaigh
European Commission
Directorate General for Education and Culture
Functions of the EQF
Translation device
for comparing qualifications
Neutral reference point
based on
learning outcomes
The EQF
Taking forward results of existing work
• Cooperation in higher education
(Bologna)
• Cooperation in vocational education
and training (Copenhagen)
EQF builds on
and integrates
results of
Bologna and
Copenhagen
Our Lifelong Learning
Experience: Obstacles!
• within and between
countries
• between education and
training systems
• to use competences
acquired in non formal
and informal settings
Country A
Q
Q
Q
Q
NQ
F/
NQ
S
NQ
F/
NQ
S
NQ
F/
NQ
S
NQ
F/
NQ
S
Country B
EQF Level 8
EQF Level 7
EQF Level 6
EQF Level 5
EQF Level 4
NQ
F/
NQ
S
NQ
F/
NQ
S
Q
Q
EQF Level 3
EQF Level 2
EQF Level 1
NQ
F/
NQ
S
Q
A basis for co-operation
• EQF
implementation is
voluntary
• Entails no legal
obligations on
Member States or
sectors
• Fosters change by
supporting and
informing reform
What EQF is NOT!
• EQF not about
replacing
national/sectoral
frameworks
• EQF not about
harmonisation
• EQF CANNOT define
new qualifications
A shift in focus towards Learning
Outcomes
Learning
Outcomes
Reflects ongoing reforms
at national level
Recognition of Non-formal and
Informal Learning
Make visible (identify)
+
Value (assess and recognise)
…competences acquired outside formal education and training
Curricula and qualifications standards based on
learning outcomes will facilitate validation
Linking qualifications to the EQF:
the role of national 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:
the role of sectoral stakeholders
• Sectors have expressed the need for a
common reference point
• Focus on an outcomes and
competence based approach
• Follow up of Maastricht Communique
EXAMPLE: Competence developments at
sector level
UK Construction Skills
Certification Scheme (CSCS)
• Competence based
• 700.000 holders
•Link to the EQF could point
towards a Euro- CSCS?
Linking qualifications to the EQF:
the role of sectoral stakeholders
• Invite sectors to link sectoral
qualifications to EQF
• Facilitate sector internal competence
developments
• Facilitate link between national and
sectoral qualifications
• Decentralisation, self-certification and
transparency
Consultation
Europe-wide consultation process from
July to November 2005:
• 32 countries in
‘Education and Training 2010’
• Bologna follow-up group
• European Social Partner organisations
• Industry & sector organisations
• Education and training NGO’s
Consultation results
• Broad agreement that EQF
is necessary and relevant
• EQF implementation must
be voluntary; must not
entail legal obligations on
Member States or sectors
• broad acceptance of 8-level
structure
• EQF needs to be based on
quality assurance
principles and mutual trust
Need for further development
Clarification of concepts
Piloting and testing
•
•
•
•
Link to Bologna
Descriptors
National level
Sectors
An
operational
EQF
Conclusion
•
‘Go ahead’ for development of operational EQF
•
Need for simplification, clarification and
refinement
Next steps
• Commission support to countries and sectors to
test and develop EQF
– Call for proposals DG EAC 22/06 - Award of grants for
actions to develop and test the European
Qualifications Framework (EQF), including national
and sectoral qualifications frameworks
– Deadline: 18 August 2006
• Working group presented simplified and refined
reference levels to representatives from Member
States in June
• Drafting Recommendation of Council and EP
The Main
elements
of the
EQF