Validation of Non-formal Adult Education courses REACTION 2005-2007

1. Validation of Non-formal Adult Education courses REACTION 2005-2007 No. 223855-CP-1-2005-1-LT-GRUNDTVIG-G1

2. Definition of Validation • Validation is a process by which an awarding body shall satisfy itself that a learner may attain knowledge, skill and competence for the purpose of an award • It is a quality assurance mechanism • As a result of an inspection/assessment an institution or/and its programmes are recognised as meeting minimum acceptable standards

3. Validation Reflection? • Process of inspection – carried out by the HEI - which determines if the non formal adult education programme is meeting minimum acceptable standards • CAN WE AGREE? Is there any Country where such a definition does not apply?

4. Can we agree? • Validation is summative. • It is aimed at certification • It is for the purpose of formal recognition

5. The ModelProcess

6. Submission • Course provider makes a submission to HEI or awarding body • Submission to be in documentary form • Submission to follow standard format • Submission to focus on 2 levels • (1) Course content, learning outcomes, assessment, delivery • (2) quality assurance mechanisms of the provider

7. Submission • Do you validate a course or do you validate a provider? • PROPOSE: • Agree quality assurance with the provider • Validate the course

8. Stage 2 Evaluation • HEI has published guidelines and criteria for the validation of NFAE courses based on the THREE Cs • Consistency • Coherence • Capacity • HEI appoints a trained panel of assessors to analyse the application, visit the provider to determine if the proposal meets the standards.

9. Evaluation reflection • What are the standards? • Who sets them? • Proposal: • Standards are based on learning outcomes • HEI sets the standards in accordance with national and international norms – in consultation with NFAE providers

10. DECISION • Trained panel of assessors report on the validation visit • Panel makes a recommendation to the HEI • HEI validates the programme • HEI assigns credits • HEI appoints an external examiner • HEI agrees a schedule of monitoring

11. On validation……… • Do we agree??? • External examiners are necessary • Course should be reviewed within 2 years • Annual reports should be provided to the HEI • ECTS should be the credit system

12. APPEAL • A decision not to validate the programme may be appealed by provider • This appeal may only be lodged on process grounds • HEIs will have clearly published grounds for appeal

13. Programmatic/Institutional Review • Programmes will be reviewed in order to determine if it still meets the required standards • A HEI may chose to continue or withdraw validation

14. Responsibilities - HEI • HEI/Awarding body • Clear policy on validation of NFAE • Guidelines for validation of NFAE • Establish a committee for the validation of NFAE

15. Responsibilities - Provider • Design the programme to meet the standard • Submit the programme for validation • Ensure the QA for the programme • Deliver the validated programme • Assess the learners in accordance with the agreed assessment strategy • Monitor and evaluate the programme

16. Any further responsibilities?? • At what stage should learners be involved?

17. Validation Submission Format • Provider Information • Award Information • Access Transfer and Progression • Programme Information • Declaration