The role of validation as a facilitator for up- and reskilling in a lifelong learning perspective that cuts across sectors and institutions was highlighted during an online event organised by Cedefop and the European Commission on 24 and 30 November.
Validation of non-formal and informal learning is seen as one of the central building blocks in realising the ambitious goals set by the European skills agenda, the European area of education, the Osnabrück declaration and the European social pillar action pPlan.
A 2012 European Council Recommendation established a set of validation guidelines as a tool supporting mutual learning and the practical development of validation arrangements in Member States. It also called on the Commission, supported by Cedefop, to regularly update the guidelines, together with the European inventory.
Around 100 participants had an opportunity for in-depth reflection in the seven days between the event’s two webinars and four workshops.
The richness and complexity of validation services and the need for wide stakeholder involvement in different aspects of validation, its design, implementation and promotion, were the key conclusions of the event’s deliberations. As it transpired, it is only through this involvement that the necessary trust and buy-in can be achieved to make validation a reality.
The crucial role learning outcomes play as a broker of trust that provides consistency across sectors and enables the diversity of assessment opportunities was also emphasised. Learning outcomes provide the basis for other tools to work across sectors and boost transferability of learning.
During the event's final session, several suggestions were collected from participants. They will be made best use of by Cedefop, the Commission and the European qualifications framework advisory group that will finalise the guidelines’ update, to be published by the end of 2022.
