Review of the Cedefop workshop on learning outcomes in IVET
In the last decade, learning outcomes orientation has found its way into most European education and training systems. The underlying political objectives include
- A better match between education and training and the needs of the labour market (increasing ‘employability’)
- Better access to more flexible learning and mobility opportunities
- Increasing the transparency of qualifications and facilitating their international recognition
However, the interpretation of the concept of learning outcomes and its application vary greatly between countries and a constant exchange between practitioners and experts is essential. The Cedefop workshop entitled ‘The Shift to Learning Outcomes; Rhetoric or Reality?’ provided a forum for such an exchange. Over 200 people from more than 50 countries took part.
In addition to the exchange of experiences, interim results of the ongoing study on ‘Shift to Learning Outcomes’ were presented. Mariya Dzhengozova from the 3s team presented a Bulgarian case study on ‘The influence of learning outcomes-based curricula in company-based training (as part of apprenticeship programmes)’. The case study provided insights about the awareness of company management, in company-trainers as well as learners of learning outcomes; how learning outcomes are used to structure work-based learning and how they influence learners‘ progression. Karin-Luomi-Messerer gave a presentation on ‘The influence of learning outcomes on assessment’. The results to date indicate strong agreement that the use of learning outcomes facilitates the monitoring of learning progress and the assessment of student performance; however, there are large differences between the countries analysed with regard to the use of assessment criteria. Monika Auzinger had the role of rapporteur in a breakout session.
All event materials can be found on the Cedefop website.
image by Cedefop
Contact: Karin Luomi-Messerer
Client: Cedefop
