Validation and recognition learning outcomes achieved abroad using ECVET

Karin Luomi-Messerer – 3sDaniela Ulicna – GHK

ECVET Pilot Projects 7th Seminar Vienna, 24-25 February 2011

Aims of ECVET used for mobility

to support recognition of learning outcomes achieved abroad

without extending learners’ education and training pathways

to make recognised mobility an integrated part of individuals’

learning pathways

Learning Agreement: knowledge, skills, competence to be acquired

Home institutionHosting institution

Learning period abroad – acquisition of knowledge, skills, competence

Assessment of acquired knowledge, skills, competence by the hosting institution

Documentation of acquired knowledge, skills, competence by the hosting institution in the learner‘s personal transcript

Validation of knowledge, skills, competence acquired and assessed abroad

Recognition of knowledge, skills, competence acquired and assessed abroad

ECVET used for mobility Transfer process based on a Memorandum of Understanding

Prerequisites for validation and recognition Trust: credibility of training experiences abroad by clearly

specifying expected learning outcomes and identifying and

documenting what the learner has achieved

based on:

Agreements: MoU, LA (expected learning outcomes)

Assessment: QA, transparent procedures, criteria, levels…

Good documentation of the learning outcomes achieved and the

assessment results (evidence) – Personal Transcript

Validation – ECVET Recommendation

Validation of learning outcomes means the process of

confirming that certain assessed learning outcomes achieved

by a learner correspond to specific outcomes which may be

required for a unit or a qualification.

Validation – in practice (1) After completion of the international training period, the learners`

Personal Transcript prepared by the hosting institution (after

assessment) is sent to the home institution.

The home institution compares the learning outcomes

documented in the learners` Personal Transcript with those

agreed upon in the LA (expected learning outcomes) and (if

applicable) checks whether all requirements (specified in the LA)

have been met (e.g. assessment procedures).

Validation – in practice (2) If everything is correct and the expected learning outcomes are

met at the required level, the assessment of knowledge, skills

and competence acquired abroad will be validated:

It will be confirmed that the assessed learning outcomes

achieved by the person in training during the stay abroad

correspond to specific learning outcomes that are required for the

specific training programme / unit / qualification.

Recognition – ECVET Recommendation

Recognition of learning outcomes means the process of

attesting officially achieved learning outcomes through the

awarding of units or qualifications

Recognition – in practice Following the validation process, learners receive an official

confirmation of the fact that they have achieved the given learning

outcomes, unit or qualification from their home institution:

- they receive an official document or certificate or

- the unit or learning outcomes are recorded in their official transcript

of record.

Credit points will be awarded – depending on national regulations.

Recognition – in practice (2) Depending on the unit and the duration of the stay abroad, it

might be possible that not all learning outcomes of a unit were

achieved.

In this case, the certificate etc. for a unit will only be awarded

after the achievement of the full unit.

Recognition – in practice (3) In some systems, there is no need for a formal recognition of

learning outcomes achieved abroad – for example, systems that

not use units of learning outcomes, that use holistic assessments

at the end of a training programme:

Learning period abroad is validated and recognised as part of the

training programme