ecdc.europa.eu

ESTONIAInformation visit

BrusselsBrussels1 June 20101 June 2010

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The European Qualifications The European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learningFramework for lifelong learning

Carlo Scatoli

DG Education and Culture

Competences, outcomes

2001 – Memorandum on Lifelong Learning

Towards (E)QF

Input based (duration,

institution)

1996 –European Year of Lifelong Learning

Education and training system

Learners and learning process

Output oriented (what learners know and can do)

Competences, learning outcomes

2008 – The European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning (EQF)

2009 – European Credit system for Vocational Education and Training (ECVET)

2006 – The European Framework of Key Competences for Lifelong Learning

2008 – New skills for new jobs initiative

Towards (E)QF

2004 – Europass

Learning outcomes

2005 –Qualifications Framework for the European Higher Education Area

National qualifications frameworks

2004 – Dublin descriptors - EHEA

Towards (E)QF

The European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning

• 8 EQF levels defined in terms of LEARNING OUTCOMES

KnowledgeSkills

Competence

• Without reference to duration or institutional setting

The EQF level descriptors

In the context of EQF,

knowledge is described as theoretical and/or factual

skills are described as cognitive (involving the use of logical, intuitive and creative thinking) and practical (involving manual dexterity and the use of methods, materials, tools and instruments)

competence is described in terms of responsibility and autonomy

Knowledge Skills Competence

LEVE

L

5

comprehensive, specialised, factual and theoretical knowledge within a field of work or study and an awareness of the boundaries of that knowledge

a comprehensive range of cognitive and practical skills required to develop creative solutions to abstract problems

exercise management and supervision in contexts of work or study activities where there is unpredictable change review and develop performance of self and others

The EQF level descriptors

(Very much like a national QF…)

The EQF brings togetherqualifications

Connecting, including and

ordering qualifications,

but not directly

by way of national systemsand gives them further structure

EQF is a meta-

framework

A EU meta-framework – What does it do?

Member States to relate NQS/F to the EQF

Implementing the EQF

-Following agreed criteria (transparent procedures,learning outcomes, quality assurance, international involvement)prepare a report explaining how national qualifications levels are referenced to EQF levels

2010

Implementing the EQF

2012- qualifications issued by competent authorities are related, via the nationalqualification systems, to the EQF.

Member States to ensure that

NQF 7

EQF 5

Referencing to the EQF

Three EQF referencing reports have been finalised

Sept 2009

Nov 2009

Feb

2010

Referencing to the EQF

8 Countries referencing by 2009 or 2010

- fully on schedule

8 27

18 Countries referencing by 2011

2 Countries referencing after 2011

2 Countries not yet able to estimate

25 countries likely to meet the 2012 target date

Both EQF and EHEA QF are meta-frameworks.

Their nature, purpose, objective, scope overlap,

but are not the same. Qualification levels

EHEA QF

EQF

Participating countries

EHEA QF

EQF

Meta-framework meets meta-framework

Two European meta-frameworks

Coordinated structure:EQF levels 6-7-8 = EHEA QF cycles 1, 2, 3

EQF - EHEA QF

Coordinated implementation:- EHEA QF represented in EQF advisory group- EQF coordination represented in EHEA QF working group- Criteria and procedures overlapping as far as possible- Shared commitment to avoid double referencing by participating countries

National qualifications frameworks

All Member States are developing NQFbased on learning outcomes

- Easier progression and mobility between LLL sectors (vocational training and higher education)- Easier accreditation of prior learning and validation of non formal an informal learning outcomes

The Commission is preparing a proposal on validation linked to EQF/NQF

ecdc.europa.eu

Thank you for your attentionThank you for your attention

carlo.scatoli@ec.europa.euanita.kremo@ec.europa.eu