1. The Nordic Quality tool Contexts and applications VPL Biennale, Rotterdam 9.-11.4.2014 Anni Karttunen Expert in European Eduational Policy Anni.karttunen@sakky.fi

2. Finland – State of Play  Many exsisting QA mechanisms in place, but all are embedded in legislation or other policy documents  Important to have a concrete tool for practitioners =>the concept of validation and the concept of quality are significantly clarified  Especially important in HE (validation procedures are being developed) and liberal AE (validation procedures are being discussed)  Quality tool brings structure to the development and design of validation process 2

3. General notions on QA in Finland  Quality assurance is sometimes considered a threat to the flexibility of validation process OR it is seen as sufficient if the formal education system has some quality system in place  The ultimate purpose of quality assurance in validation is to GUIDE the system and assure the INDIVIDUAL an equal, transparent and reliable process  Competences can only be made visible through a high quality validation process => high market value 3

4. Quality factors in the Finnish Competence Based Qualifications  Tripartite system and worklife assessors  Very detailed legislation and guidelines in adult VET => Validation is a subjective right of the individual  National learning outcome based qualification requirements  High market value and trust of the working life 4

5. Quality factors in the Finnish CBQs  An independent body for recognition: The qualification committees  National assessor training (compulsory)  Stakeholder training (compulsory)  Established process (since 1994) Even with highly developed QA systems, the Nordic QA tool for practitioners is considered very useful! 5

6. Developing a validation system through quality  Russian Federation VET reform  Developing a model for a learning outcome based approach including validation procedures  Nordic QA model translated in Russian and it is the basis for their system development 6

7. Let’s keep the validation train moving! For further discussion contact: Anni Karttunen Anni.karttunen@sakky.fi Mob: +358 44 785 86 90 www.facebook.com/EUedu.fi 7