EQF PRO: Articulation between vocational and academic learning in University Education

• Type: Technical Report
• Date: 2010

Authors

Alfredo Soeiro (Collaborator) FEUP; Isabel Martins (Author) REIT; EUCEN (Coordinator) Other

Scientific classification

CORDIS: Social sciences

FOS: Social sciences

Associated Institutions

EUCEN - European University Continuing Education Network

Other information

Abstract (EN): European Qualifications Framework (EQF) is the result of a long discussion process involving member states, social partners together with the commission and finally in the next months the European Parliament. EQF is presented as a translation device for comparing qualifications regardless of the system where a qualification was acquired to increase transparency and develop European mobility. The core element of the EQF is a set of eight reference levels covering the entire span of qualifications. The EQF reference levels shift the focus away from the traditional approach, which emphasises learning inputs to focus on learning outcomes. Concerning HE qualifications, EQF has taken into account the results of the Bologna process referring to the level 6 to 8 as B, M and D. The first reflections emerging in Universities concerning the articulation between national qualification through EQF shows that potential confusions can appear in particular between level 5 and 6 qualifications more or less at the same level being classified at level 5 in one country when based on competences and at level 6 in another country when based on academic references. This project aims to test in a lifelong learning perspective the level 5 and level 6 of the European Qualification Framework on 25-30 professional diplomas provided by Higher education institutions (average of 2 to 3 per institution) to identify potential confusions in the classification of the qualifications at levels 5 and 6 of the EQF framework in different institutions or countries; Identify nature and source of the distortions in the classification in levels 5 and 6 (conflict with other frameworks: National qualification framework, sectoral framework, local employment constraints...) and to propose guidelines to ensure a better presentation of the qualifications. The project will produce: a) a comparative analysis of professional qualifications at EQF level 5 and 6 in different higher education institutions in 10 different countries; b) discussion workshops with stakeholders (policy makers, social partners, training institutions and HEIs); c) a conference to consult policy/decision makers and managers at institutional, regional , national and European level on the interim results of the review, d) guidelines for the level 5 and 6 of the EQF, e) dissemination materials including website targeting policy makers, managers, ULLL practitioners at European, national and institutional level. The project will promote the use of the EQF in Higher Education institutions and improve the contribution of the ULLL community to the formulation of European EQF guidelines for HEIs. In the longer term it will improve the access to and both increase and widen the participation of adults in learning opportunities and European Mobility.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Dissemination

Reference: http://www.eucen.eu/EQFpro/index.html