The Nordic Quality tool Contexts and applications VPL Biennale, Rotterdam Anni Karttunen Expert in European Eduational Policy
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
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
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
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
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
Let’s keep the validation train moving! For further discussion contact: Anni Karttunen Mob: