Workshop 4:
Recognition of non-formal and informal learning
18.2.2005
Espoo
Lauri Savisaari
www.nuortenakatemia.fi
Content of the workshop 4:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Introductions
Key concepts regarding the theme
Basic information on European processes
Concrete example from the field of youth
Discussion (implications for the VET branch)
A network of interested partners?
www.nuortenakatemia.fi
Key concepts regarding the theme
Non-formal learning
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embedded in planned activities which contain a learning element
intentional from the learner’s point of view
no certifications
Informal learning
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learning resulting from daily work-related, family or leisure activities
unintentional
www.nuortenakatemia.fi
Key concepts regarding the theme
Valuing learning
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process of promoting participation and outcomes of learning
to raise awareness
Competence
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ability to apply knowledge, know-how and skills in changing (work)
situation
Recognition of competences
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formal recognition: granting official status to competences
social recognition: acknowledgement of the value of competences by
economic and social stakeholders
www.nuortenakatemia.fi
Key concepts regarding the theme
Validation of informal/non-formal learning
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process of assessing and recognising a range of knowledge, knowhow and skills developed in different contexts
Certification of competences
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process of formally validating knowledge, know-how and
competences, following a standard assessment procedure, by
accredited awarding bodies
Qualification
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official record of achievement which recognises successful
completion of education, training or performance in a test or
examination
www.nuortenakatemia.fi
Key concepts regarding the theme
Transparency of qualifications
-
degree of intelligibility of qualifications allowing their value to be
identified and compared on labour and training markets
sectoral / regional / national / international
www.nuortenakatemia.fi
European processes on the theme
Education & Training 2010
Some relevant activities:
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Working group H (Making learning attractive…):
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valuing learning & expert group NFL
European inventory for the validation of non-formal and
informal learning
Common principles for the identification and validation of NFL
Single European Transparency Framework (EUROPASS)
www.nuortenakatemia.fi
European processes on the theme
Common principles for the identification and validation
of non-formal and informal learning (May 2004)
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to be applied by country and by context on voluntary basis
individual entitlement (voluntary for individuals)
obligations of stakeholders to establish systems and approaches
(incl. quality assurance & guidance)
confidence and trust: fair and transparent processes, procedures and
criteria
credibility and legitimacy of systems and approaches
www.nuortenakatemia.fi
European processes on the theme
European Single Transparency Framework (EUROPASS)
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5 instruments:
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Europass-CV (self declarations of q’s and c’s by individual citizens)
Europass-Mobility (record of a specific European learning pathway)
Europass-Diploma Supplement (higher education)
Europass-Language Portfolio (language learning & cultural experience)
Europass-Certificate Supplement (VET)
Implementation phase Jan 2005 – Dec 2006
National agencies
www.nuortenakatemia.fi
Youth Academy
Recreational Activity Study Book
Recognition of learning in youth voluntary free-time
activities
Example from experience
www.nuortenakatemia.fi
Youth Academy
NGO, politically and religiously independent, established in
1994 for…
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promoting the appreciation of learning in youth voluntary
activities
supporting youth voluntary free-time activities
… by 12 major Finnish youth & sports organisations
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Red Cross
Scouts
Evangelical Lutheran Church
4H
...
www.nuortenakatemia.fi
Learning in youth voluntary free-time activities
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non-formal (organised & voluntary) and
informal (non-organised, not always intentional)
learning through participation
”life skills”, such as:
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co-operation & team work
communication
commitment
problem solving
 in this context, the task of the youth worker/leader is to make
young people aware of the learning that has taken place!
www.nuortenakatemia.fi
Significance to employers or formal
education?
-
Key competencies that are rarely learnt in formal education
Comparable to work experience (but not paid, no certificates)
 It is important to raise awareness
 Documentation and recognition should be voluntary! (both for
young people & employers etc.)
www.nuortenakatemia.fi
Recreational Activity Study Book
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Makes the learning visible for young people
Documentation, not assessment
Main point is awareness
Young people should have the right to benefit from their
experiences when applying for education or a job
the Study Book can be a supplement to CV
www.nuortenakatemia.fi
Recreational Activity Study Book
•
•
•
for all young people over 13 years
entries from all experiences outside formal education
tool for making the learning visible both for young people and
adults (employers, teachers etc.)
•
•
over 70 000 study book owners in Finland
250 formal educational institutions value the entries in the book
•
price: 6 e
•
official & financial support from:
– Finnish Ministry of Education & Culture
– Private companies
www.nuortenakatemia.fi
Recreational Activity Study Book
250 educational institutions in co-operation:
• All fields of education
• vocational education institutions
• polytechnics
• universities
The entries in the study book can be recognised:
• when applying to education
• as a part of the education
No direct credits. The recognition by an educational institution is
always personal and case-sensitive!
www.nuortenakatemia.fi
Recreational Activity Study Book
Employers’ perceptions
-
Over 25 % of Study Book users think that the entries in the
book have helped them in finding a summer job
Employers’ organisations have encouraged their members to
take into account learning experiences outside formal education
or work
 In the case of young people, Recreational Activity Study Book can
help in showing what they have done
Again: No direct credits. The recognition by an employer is always
personal and case-sensitive!
www.nuortenakatemia.fi
Themes for discussion
1.
2.
3.
4.
General implications for the VET branch (machinery
& metal technology, electrical engineering,
transport)
Specific challenges in the VET branch
Possibilities to enhance transparency and
recognition
Joint development project in the VET branch?



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A network of interested partners?
Promoting partner?
Schedule?
Etc.
www.nuortenakatemia.fi