100 likes | 108 Views
T owards Azerbaijan Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning ( AzQF ): accomplishments and challenges. Strasbourg, November 22-23, 2012. Circumstances preceding the development of AzQF.
E N D
Towards Azerbaijan Qualifications Frameworkfor lifelong learning (AzQF): accomplishments and challenges Strasbourg, November 22-23, 2012
Circumstances preceding the development of AzQF • Concept of learning outcomes was already in use in general education, some vocational and higher education programs • Government’s strategy on diversification of economy presumed availability of employees with new competencies in the labor market • Difficulties of recognition of qualifications for rapidly increasing number of Azerbaijani students going to study abroad • Ministry of Labor of Azerbaijan started a large-scale project on development of occupational standards
Working group for AzQF • Established in 2010 • Composed from representatives of: 1) the Ministry of Education 2) the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection 3) the Student Admission Commission 4) the Ministry of Economic Development 5) education institutions, etc. • Supported by international consultant and ETF expert
AzQF development process • Analysis of the existing legal basis (first half of 2011) • Drafting the AzQF(July-August,2011) • Discussions at the Ministry of Education (September-October,2011) • Draft AzQF is sent to the Council of Europe for review (November,2011) • Expert opinion is receivedfrom the Council of Europe (January,2012) • Revisions to AzQF based on the comments from the Council of Europe (February,2012) • Hosting an international conference on implementation of NQFs (June, 2012)
Structure of the AzQF document • General provisions • Objectives of the AzQF • Level descriptors of the AzQF • Roles and responsibilities of institutions • Quality assurance • Glossary • Annex – Documents supporting the AzQF
Qualifications included into the AzQF The AzQF is designed for the recognition of lifelong learning and includes the following qualifications: • Qualifications for general education • Qualifications for initial vocational education • Qualifications for secondary specialised education (sub-bachelor education) • Qualifications for higher education • Qualifications for additional education and training
Challenges for AzQF • Possible legal barriers for approval of AzQF document • Low level of understanding of qualifications framework process at a large – evidence from consultations • Fragmented vision for implementation of AzQF • Possible risks of misconception for additional education and training qualifications • Expected resistance to the concept of recognition of non-formal and informal learning • etc.
Actions to be undertaken • Approval of the AzQFumbrella document by the Government • Development and approval of implementation plan for AzQF • Development of regulatory sub-documents • Establishment of relevant functions and sustainable infrastructure necessary for: 1) labor market observations, 2) development of occupational standards, 3) validation of qualifications, 4) maintaining register of qualifications, etc.