European Journal of Vocational Training. CEDEFOP, n. 42/43 – 2007/3 - 2008/1
ISSN 1977-0219

 

The whole of this issue of the European Journal of Vocational Training is devoted to the subject of the European Qualifications Framework. It sets out to provide a constructive critical evaluation of this 2006 initiative by the European Commission, the Council and the European Parliament, which is of such great importance for European vocational education and training policy. This special issue sets out to examine whether and, if so, to what extent, these are realistic and feasible.
The articles reflect the situation at the beginning of 2007. All the authors are respected experts from the worlds of academia and politics, and are actively involved in the debate and, in some cases, in the practical activities in the relevant Member States or at European level. They report in their papers on the response in the Member States, put forward suggestions, and make general and specific comments on the implementation of the proposal.
A number of authors also discuss the relationships between the various subsystems of education and VET, such as between higher education and VET.
Europe alone is not necessarily the general yardstick. – so the authors of the final article include a digression on the global/international scene, on which Europe needs to prove itself. Some countries, such as Australia, Canada and New Zealand, have already made good progress and acquired relevant experience in the field of a comprehensive qualifications framework for lifelong learning and of learning provision geared to outcomes. We can and should learn from them, to improve learning structures and to support learners throughout their (working) lives, improve the quality and attractiveness of training provision and make it more attractive, and progress towards our goal of social and economic integration.

Includes the following articles:

Sellin, Burkart. The proposal for a European Qualifications Framework. Making it a reality – possibilities and limitations. p. 4 - 18.
Editorial

Paulsen, Mette Beyer. Freedom of movement: from right to possibility. Recognition of qualifications through legislation or information. p .19 - 32.
Review of political initiatives developed for promoting freedom of movement in the EU training and labour market.
Full text (pdf)

Markowitsch, Jörg; Luomi-Messerer, Karin. Development and interpretation of descriptors of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). p. 33 - 58.
The EQF can be understood only if it is considered from at least three perspectives, namely a hierarchy of education systems, a hierarchy of occupational tasks and functions, and a hierarchy of skills acquisition. Instead of seeking to establish a theoretical basis for the EQF, we recommend adopting a hermeneutic approach in order better to understand the EQF table.
Full text (pdf)

Raffe, David; Gallacher, Jim; Toman, Nuala. The Scottish credit and qualifications framework: lessons for the EQF. p . 59 - 69.
This article describes the progress of the SCQF, one of the oldest comprehensive national qualifications frameworks. It discusses lessons for the European qualifications framework and for other countries establishing their own qualifications framework.
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Maguire, Bryan; Mernagh, Edwin; Murray, James. Aligning learning outcomes descriptors in national and meta-frameworks of qualifications – Learning from Irish experience. p. 70 - 83.
An exploration and analysis of issues arising in aligning national frameworks of qualifications and emerging European meta-frameworks.
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Marhuenda Fluixá, Fernando; Bernadi García, Joan Carles. The professional qualification system in Spain and workers with low qualification levels. p. 84 - 95.
This document examines how the Community strategy for lifelong learning and the role of the assessment, recognition and accreditation of professional competences and knowledge within this strategy have been taken on board in Spain, and appraises its impact on people with low qualification levels.
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Bohlinger, Sandra. Competences as the core element of the European Qualifications Framework. p. 96 - 188.
Taking the German-speaking countries as an example, the author draws attention to the difficulties that arise in the development of a common definition of competence for the European Qualifications Framework.
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Hanf, Georg; Rein, Volker. European and National Qualifications Frameworks – a challenge for vocational education and training in Germany. p. 119 - 128.
On the basis of the proposal for a European Qualifications Framework (EQF), this article sets out to take stock of the German debate on the starting situation, aims and procedures for the possible development of a German Qualifications Framework (GQF) from the perspective of vocational education and training (VET).
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Tierney, Lucy; Clarke, Marie. The European qualifications framework: challenges and implications in the Irish further education and training sector. p. 129 - 142.
This paper discusses the development of the Irish national framework of qualifications with reference to the proposed EQF. It explores the challenges in implementing new qualifications from both policy and praxis perspectives.
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Hozjan, Dejan. European qualifications framework influences on a national framework: the case of Slovenia. p. 143 - 155.
Based on the case of Slovenia, this article analyses the method of designing the national qualifications framework and particularly the influence of the European qualifications framework. The possibility of applying an open method of coordination and inherent pitfalls are presented.
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Calleja, James. Linking VET and higher education. Is the EQF contributing to this issue? p. 156 - 166.
This paper focuses on the relationship between vocational education and higher education in the European qualifications framework for lifelong learning and argues that today's labour market demands greater synergy between the two sectors of education to ensure sustained employability and social cohesion.
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Laužackas, Rimantas; Tutlys, Vidmantas. Modelling the national qualifications framework of Lithuania into the European qualifications framework. p. 167 - 183.
The article analyses modelling the national qualifications framework of Lithuania and its relations with the European qualifications framework. It discloses the main methodological parameters and designing approaches of the national qualifications framework and evaluates them in the European qualifications framework.
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Dunkel, Torsten; Le Mouillour, Isabelle. Qualifications frameworks and credit systems: a toolkit for education in Europe. p. 184 - 202.
This article examines the multifaceted relationship between the EQF, ECVET and ECTS instruments. The two parallel Bologna and Copenhagen Processes constitute the framework for the aims, functions and conception of all three instruments. Their commonalities and the potential for a European education area are identified, analysed and discussed.
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Bjørnåvold, Jens; Coles, Mike. Governing education and training; the case of qualifications frameworks. p. 203 - 235.
This article discusses the potential impact of the European qualifications framework (EQF) on national education and training policies. It describes the rapid and widespread development of national qualifications frameworks (NQFs) across Europe and discusses how this can best be explained in terms of governance principles.
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