Peer Learning Activity on validation of non-formal and informal learning

Peer Learning Cluster or other group

Background

Description

Key issues addressed:

• Developments of  systems for validating non-formal and informal learning;
• The validation process as such;
• The role of guidance in validation;
• Validation of the competences of low-skilled individuals;
• The benefits of validation for stakeholders including the state, employers, and individuals;
• Quality assurance – how to ensure the quality of and trust in, the validation process?
• Data on validation.

Conclusions

The PLA showed that European countries are at different stages in the development of policies and practices for validating non-formal and informal learning. The following needs were raised:

• A national/regional/local consensus on validation principles, objectives, resources, target groups, status, standards and quality assurance is needed in many countries;
• Partnerships of stakeholders at all levels are a key requirement for the development of an effective validation system and significant stakeholder commitment and resources;
• Active approaches (e.g. associating employers, trade unions, etc.) to engage potential participants, especially low-skilled individuals;
• Engaging the interest and participation of all sections of the population as a key to a broad acceptance of validation;
• Guidance and support services must be integral to any validation system, especially one seeking to engage low-skilled individuals; 
• Competence profiles for validation practitioners;
• Quality assurance as critical to the success of validation;
• Better quantitative and qualitative information on the entire validation process;
• Systematic monitoring and measuring of validation,

The PLA also enabled its participants to formulate recommendations to the European Commission in the context of the Action Plan ‘It is always a good time to learn’ .