The learning continuity : European inventory on validating non-formal and informal learning : national policies and practices in validating non-formal and informal learning

This report represents the first effort to establish a European inventory of approaches to validating non formal and informal learning. Validation policies, practices and methods are core issues in any strategy aimed at lifelong and life-wide learning. These policies are examined in detail for 14 Member States of the EU; more limited information is presented for eight new Member States and two candidate countries. The report defines basic concepts; analyses similarities and differences between national strategies and points to some main trends in validation. The report addresses several issues influencing the quality and credibility of validation approaches: the definition of standards, the development of modularised and flexible pathways for learning and the involvement and commitment of stakeholders. Particular emphasis is given to assessment methods where five main categories are identified. The most recent European initiatives relevant to validation are discussed; in particular the common European principles for validation (2004), the Europass portfolio supporting transparency and transfer of qualifications and competences at national and European level (2005) and the first steps of the continuing work to develop and implement a European qualifications framework (2005). All these initiatives reflect developments at national level but aim at increased cooperation and coherency between countries.