Referencing of the Irish NFQ to EQF

Transcription

1 Referencing of the Irish NFQ to EQF Conference on the Referencing of the Norwegian Qualifications Framework to EQF Oslo 6 June 2011 Dr Jim Murray National Qualifications Authority of Ireland

2 Overview Irish Referencing Process National Steering Committee Key features of Irish Referencing Process Lessons from Irish Referencing Process Communication and Consultation Issues and Observations

3 Irish Referencing Process Overseen by National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, Ireland s National Coordination Point for EQF General approach to referencing adopted by NQAI in September 2008 Modelled on Bologna Framework Verification undertaken in September 2006 National Steering Committee established to assist NQAI Used the 10 criteria and procedures agreed by the EQF Advisory Group Committee established in December 2008

4 National Steering Committee I Chaired by NQAI Membership: national sectoral representatives/experts for further education and training (VET) - FETAC general education (schools) National Council for Curriculum & Assessment higher education and training (universities and non-university higher education) HETAC and Irish Universities Association Also three international experts: Dr Carita Blomqvist, Finnish National Board of Education (Finland); Mr Wilfried Boomgaert, Flemish Ministry of Education and Training (Belgium); Dr Mike Coles, Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (England and Wales) Main task: to produce National Referencing Report

5 National Steering Committee II Committee met three times in Dublin in 2009 (Jan 15, March 2, May 14) Also worked via especially on second draft of Referencing Report Structure: Part 1: Introduction to EQF and referencing process Part 2: Description of Irish Education and Training System Part 3: Responses to criteria and procedures Part 4: Matters Arising Part 5: Conclusions References and Annexes: Includes detailed technical comparison of NFQ and EQF level descriptors

6 Key features of the Irish approach to referencing methodology: comparison in terms of framework architecture conceptual base, esp. understanding of learning outcomes how levels are defined comparative analysis of descriptors comprehensive referencing of all levels in a single national framework all Irish awards, including those made for achievement in HE

7 Challenges in the referencing process neat results are not possible one-to-one alignment is not possible - ten levels cannot map precisely to eight learning outcomes described in terms of eight factors in the Irish framework task is not to prove that NFQ is the same as EQF - to clearly and accurately explain how they compare

8 Learning from the Irish experience referencing is a challenging process any system of qualifications can be referenced to EQF - just do not expect neat results! all levels in a comprehensive framework can be referenced to the EQF levels referencing is a lot easier if the process of developing a national framework of qualifications has already been undertaken

9 Supports for the referencing process in Ireland the experience of developing the NFQ insight into what our qualifications actually mean moved from implicit understanding to explicit meaning resources already available expertise in framework development and implementation structures and dedicated organisations stakeholder familiarity with key concepts - framework, levels, learning outcomes

10 Communication and Consultation Parallel communication and consultation also took place Various elements: New web pages on EQF on NQAI site; 2 E-bulletins went out to stakeholders Individual briefings for key stakeholders; new powerpoint presentation developed for NQAI staff Meeting of NQAI Consultative Group on March devoted to referencing report Group has representatives of main education and training providers and awarding bodies, learners and social partners (trade unions and industry/business) National seminars on Referencing proposals took place for stakeholders on in April and September 2009

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12 EQF levels NFQ Levels NFQ Major Award-types 1 1 Level 1 Certificate 2 Level 2 Certificate 2 3 Level 3 Certificate, Junior Certificate 3 4 Level 4 Certificate, Leaving Certificate 4 5 Level 5 Certificate, Leaving Certificate 5 6 Advanced Certificate (FET award); Higher Certificate (HET award) 6 7 Ordinary Bachelors Degree 8 Honours Bachelor Degree, Higher Diploma 7 9 Masters Degree, Post-Graduate Diploma 8 10 Doctoral Degree, Higher Doctorate

13 EQF levels EHEA Framework (Bologna) NFQ Levels NFQ Major Award-types 1 1 Level 1 Certificate 2 Level 2 Certificate 2 3 Level 3 Certificate, Junior Certificate 3 4 Level 4 Certificate, Leaving Certificate 4 5 Level 5 Certificate, Leaving Certificate 5 Short Cycle within First Cycle 6 Advanced Certificate (FET award); Higher Certificate (HET award) 6 First Cycle 7 Ordinary Bachelors Degree 8 Honours Bachelor Degree, Higher Diploma 7 Second Cycle 9 Masters Degree, Post-Graduate Diploma 8 Third cycle 10 Doctoral Degree, Higher Doctorate

14 Some issues/observations I Explaining to outside audience complexities of education and training system: how much to put in report? How much external documentation to reference? Explaining referencing of 2 Irish levels against 1 EQF Level; and particular Irish qualifications across 2 NFQ levels Methodology for levels comparison: start with an empty page or utilise other work undertaken previously (Bologna Verification; NFQ/CEFR comparison)?

15 Some issues/observations II Primacy of National Frameworks over EQF not clear in criterion 10 Impact of referencing processes in UK and Ireland on existing understandings of qualifications and qualifications levels in Ireland and UK: agreed to hold off publication of outcomes until issues were discussed Variable progress of implementation of Irish NFQ in different sectors, and impact on Quality criteria, especially in Schools sector

16 Conclusion All Irish EQF Referencing material is available at