Towards European Lifelong Learning Area Olav Aarna Estonian

Towards European Lifelong Learning Area Olav Aarna Estonian Qualifications Authority Kutsete süsteemi arendamist toetab Euroopa Liit

Context • Lisbon strategy & Lisbon process (2000) • Towards European lifelong learning area: – Bologna process (1999 -. . . ) – Copenhagen process (2002 -. . . ) – European Qualifications Framework (EQF) (2005 -. . . ) • Recognition of non-formal and informal learning, incl. learning at work • Development (re-engineering) of National Qualifications Frameworks (NQF) & Systems

European qualifications framework • EQF for lifelong learning (EU recommendation from 23. 04. 2008): – Reference framework – 8 learning outcomes based levels of qualification (knowledge, skills, competence (extent of autonomy and responsibility)) – 2010: link NQFs with EQF (Ireland, UK, Malta!) – 2012: insert reference to EQF level on all certificates or certificate supplements – National Coordination Points (NCP) for EQF implementation

Country A EQF 9 8 8 6 7 5 7 6 6 5 5 Qualifications (A) Country B 4 4 3 3 2 2 4 3 1 1 2 1 Qualifications (B)

Guiding Principles (1) • National qualifications system (NQS) is an interface between society and lifelong learning system • Professional (vocational) qualifications system (PQS) is an interface between labour market and lifelong learning system, i. e a subsystem of NQS • NQS in Estonia follows integrated qualifications system model • NQS is a quality assurance system

Conceptual Framework (1) Society (public, private and non-governmental sector) 15. 03. 2018 Qualifications System Lifelong Learning System (formal, non-formal and informal learning)

Conceptual Framework (2) Quality assurance system for lifelong learning Qualifications system Professional qualifications system 15. 03. 2018 7

Guiding Principles (2) • Social partnership of stakeholders (Government, employers’, employees’ and students’ organisations, professional associations, . . . ) is of crucial importance • National Qualifications Framework (NQF) is a backbone of NQS • Development of NQF is a process • Developing and implementing NQF is a driver of the process

Competence and qualification • Aim: Develop sustainable, flexible, internationally compatible competence based qualifications system meeting the needs of lifelong learning persons, knowledge based society and economy • Competence – ability to perform successfully in a specific field described through the relevant perforamance criteria (learning outcomes) • Qualification – officially recognized competence as a result of validation

Competence circle (1) Expected competences L A B O U R M A R K E T 15. 03. 2018 Tasks Competences Occupational standards Learning outcomes PROFESSIONAL Assessment criteria QUALIFICATIONS SYSTEM Certificates Qualification awarding Validation Actual competences Assessment L E A R N I N G

Competence circle (2) Expected competences L A B O U R M A R K E T 15. 03. 2018 Tasks Competences Occupational standards National curricula Curricula PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS SYSTEM Certificates Qualification awarding Validation Actual competences Assessment L E A R N I N G

Estonian Qualifications Framework (2008) Estonian NQF EQF Sectorial QFs HE VET LABOUR MARKET GE LIFELONGLEARNING SYSTEM

Educational Standards and ENQF • General trend of development – towards learning outcomes based standards: – Higher education standard (2008) – Vocational education standard (2009) + national curricula for VET – National curriculum for basic school (2010) – National curriculum for upper secondary school (2010) – New generation of occupational standards (2010. . . )

Estonian Qualifications Framework (2009) Estonian NQF EQF Sectorial QFs HE VET LABOUR MARKET GE 15. 03. 2018 LIFELONGLEARNING SYSTEM 14

Referencing of ENQF to EQF March 2010 – establishing steering committee October 2010 – drafting of referencing report February 2011 – consensus building in Estonia May 2011 – consultations with international experts July 2011 – referencing report is presented to the EQF Advisory Committee (AG) • December 2011 – approval by the EQF AG • • •

Estonian Qualifications Framework (2011) Estonian NQF EQF Sectorial QFs HE VET LABOUR MARKET GE 15. 03. 2018 LIFELONGLEARNING SYSTEM 16

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