Implementing the LLL Charter Michael H rig EUA Programme Manager Nicosia, Cyprus 22 November 2010 850 individual members 34 National Rectors Conferences In 46 European countries A DECADE OF CHANGE Context setting: Context setting: A decade of change Reforms to establish the European Higher Education Area (Bologna process) Shape and size of systems are changing: Significant rise in number of enrolled students Significant increase in the number of institutions Mergers or federated structures Financial crisis and its consequences? => How will universities develop? 6 Push & Pull factors for Europes universities increase & widen access be more local, regional, European, globa l be more competitive / more socially inclusive / cater to a greater diversity of learners concentrate research / respond to regional needs improve academic quality / be more responsive to labour market provide compatible curricula / cultural diversity be more autonomous / conform to framework Theres a need for a flexible provision of education De facto part-time students exist in every system => Different needs Political ambitions only achievable through flexible LLL provision (study/work relationship) This has consequences on the education system Universities can play an important role, but in line with their mission LIFELONG LEARNING The European Universities Charter on European Universities Charter on LLL Trends 2010 Universities responding to the challenges of LLL Lifelong learning as a strategy within which all education is provided in a lifelong perspective (five countries subscribe to this concept) or as providing of a series of activities outside mainstream education(can be found in nearly all European HEIs) Little growth in LLL institutional strategies Renewed challenge to ensure that the introduction of student- centred learning facilitate European citizens access to higher education In cooperation with other stakeholders Autonomy to rise to the challenge Shaping Inclusive and Responsive University Strategies: Project aims Supporting universities in developing and enhancing lifelong learning strategies Implementing and testing the commitments adopted in the European Universities Charter on Lifelong Learning Ensuring the wide dissemination of existing best practices in the field to universities, governments and stakeholders Contributing to the further development of policy recommendations. SIRUS: WHO & HOW 29 universities from 18 countries EU Lifelong Learning programme (Modernisation of HE project) Series of workshops and exercises SWOT analysis, using the LLL charter as a basis for discussion Design and/or enhance of institutional LLL strategy based on the outcomes of the SWOT exercise Thematic foci Widening participation Continuing education Using technology to enhance teaching and learning Regional collaboration SIRUS: identified challenges Access and widening participation Recognition of Prior Learning Offering flexible and/or blended learning programmes Strengthening the knowledge triangle - partnership Consequences for student services Sustainable funding Create strategy and action plan that involves academics SIRUS Key challenges for an inclusive and responsive LLL strategy Integrated in the institutional strategy Vision mission Leadership, engaging academic and students Governance Cooperating with stakeholders Partnership Taking stock of existing activities Mapping out regional development needs Providing incentives for reaching new audiences Links to alumni Identifying a niche, developing branding and marketing Roadmap Creating communities of learners Supporting diversity in practice Implementation plan Research-based education Measuring success and improving quality EUROPEAN HIGHER EDUCATION AREA A four-point agenda for the 1. European citizens for the 21 st Century: Lifelong access to learning The central aim is to promote a discussion, involving all partners, of the kind of citizens Europe needs for the 21 st Century, to consider its implications for higher education systems and institutions, and to find an appropriate balance between European convergence and national and institutional diversity. 18 2. A partnership to support quality, creativity and innovation The current stress on indicators in the Bologna Process should not overshadow the importance of keeping a balance between accountability and improvement, quality measurement and quality assurance, and a thoughtful articulation between what needs to be done internally (at the level of institutions) and externally (by governmental or quasi-governmental agencies). 19 3. A European identity in the world The growing European identity in the world while strong at policy level still seems to leave practical aspects of institutional behaviour unaffected. There is little joint European cooperation outside Europe, with each European country pursuing its own internationalisation strategy despite the Global dimension strategy adopted at the 2007 Bologna Ministerial meeting... the question as to whether European cooperation will not be diluted in internationalisation will require monitoring in future years. 4. The European Knowledge Area EHEAERA European Knowledge Area 21 Thank you! Michael Hrig EUA Progamme Manager