National Centre for Education Department of Curriculum Unit of Vocational Education Curriculum Development Learning outcomes approach and using units Experience, challenges, opportunities in Latvia Riga, November 5-7, 2014

National Centre for Education, Unit of Vocational Education Curriculum Development Provides curriculum development for vocational education regarding State Education Standard Gives consultations and methodological support to vocational education providers Collaborates with social partners in vocational education

The development of vocation education curriculum Occupational standard State Education Standard Vocational education curriculum Modernization process of vocational education has been carried out since The restructuring of vocational education curriculum based on learning outcomes has been started.

Occupational standard

Vocational education process Field research Sectoral qualification structure based on NQF (descriptions of qualification levels, descriptions of professions, maps of professions) Development of the occupational standard Designing vocational education programme Vocational education process Qualification practice National qualification examinations Skilled/ trained worker

ESF project Development of sectoral qualification system and increasing efficiency and quality of vocational education Implemented since 2011 in cooperation with employers, employees and educators in restructuring vocational education curriculum. In the project 12 Sectoral Expert Councils have been established. Their role in vocational education is increasing.

Foundation of 12 Sectoral Expert Councils (NEPs) Representatives of employers (LDDK) (nominated by industry associations and approved by PINTSA (National Tripartite Sub-Council for Cooperation in Vocational Education and Employment) Representatives of State (nominated by Ministry of Sector and Ministry of Education and Science) Representatives of employees nominated by LBAS (Free Trade Union Confederation of Latvia ) Secretariat: 3 persons (LDDK; LBAS; VISC) Sectoral Expert Council (NEP)

Project results In 14 sectors the research has been carried out. 14 sectoral qualification structures have been established: Basic qualifications, linked professions and specializations have been defined and structured according to professional qualification levels.

Wood Industry (Forestry) profession map

Modular vocational education programmes Sectoral Expert Councils defined qualifications for developing modular vocational education programmes based on learning outcomes. 56 modular vocational education programmes have been developing now. There are 4 teachers and 2 professionals in each work group. The Sectoral Expert Councils have nominated 2 experts to evaluate the compliance of programmes to needs of labour market.

For example Vehicle service mechanic EQF: level 4 Learning outcomes Is able to: remove and set up car assembly, junctions and details. Knows: work materials and techniques for junction renewal Understands: schemes and drawings, sequence of screwing and unscrewing

Modules (units) Learning outcomes are grouped in modules according to criteria: Related to the same set of occupational activities Related to the same product or production tecnique Related to the stages in the production process. Module maps of linked professions are set up.

C B A Vehicle constructi on Technical graphics basics Dismanti ng and assembli ng Vehicle repair basics Repair of vehicle body details Vehicle maintena nce Changing and repairing tyres Car locksmith qualificati on practice Testing A part of the programme for vehicle body repairer qualification Hydraulic and pneumatic system repair Technical service organizati on Electronic system repair basics Vehicle mechanic qualificati on practice Technical graphics Vehicle body straighten ing Body welding Renewing details of vehicle body Repair of body plastic details Repair of vehicle glass details Vehicle body repir organizati on Vehicle body repairer qualificati on practice Driving* Maintena nce and repair of small aliances Sale of vehicles and spare parts Vehicle body design elements Motorbike structure s and maintana nce Car interior dry cleaning Welding basics Metalwor ks basics Vehicle body repair Vehicle electric equipmen t repair Engine repair Vehicle chasis maintena nce MAP of MODULES in VEHICLE SERVICE

Content of modules Learning outcomes Thematic contents defined in % in relation to the module Assessment criteria for average and optimal levels Methodological techniques and tools Necessary teaching and learning facilities

Future opportunities Qualifications are made of modules (units) of learning outcomes and each module can be assessed and validated; It is possible to assign points to modules within a qualification. ECVET elements and principles fit in the development of vocational education system, qualification framework, help to improve the flexibility of vocational education system. It is planned to start implementation of modular programmes by September 2015.

Thank you for attention! VISC Vaļņu iela 2, Rīga