Project Overview
Background
European and National Lifelong Learning Policy has emphasised the importance of the Validation of Non-formal and Informal Learning since European Union [EU] Member States agreed the Common European Principles for Validation of Non-Formal and Informal Learning in 2004. The Recognition of Prior Learning Outcomes [RPLO] is a common issue in the national systems of the UK as well as in EU partner countries, with the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Recognition of Prior Learning Guidance for the Qualifications and Curriculum Framework.
The RPLO Project will pilot these Guidelines in the Vocational Education and Training [VET] Teacher and Trainer Sector using the Lifelong Learning UK Standards through the development of user-friendly tools, methods and support materials. Partners in other EU Member States will collaborate in this process, ensuring that common Standards are applied to RPLO in this Sector using the European Guidelines (2008) within the context of the European Qualification Framework Decision (2007) and the Recommendations for a European Credit System for VET.
What is the aim of the RPLO project?
The project aims to improve the attractiveness and effectiveness of the VET Teachers and Trainers profession in the UK and partner countries. The project intends to demonstrate how Credit-based qualifications will make the transition from being RPLO-neutral to being RPLO-friendly, using best practice from UK and EU projects and research, including the Cedefop study on the Recognition and Validation of Non-formal and Informal Learning for VET Teachers and Trainers.
The outcomes in England and Wales and across the partner countries will be:
- a validated methodology of RPLO
- comprehensive assessment guidance, including reference to rules of combination
- relevant requirements for assessment and verification
- demonstrations of the ways in which quality assurance can enhance the reliability and validity of RPLO
- new tools and methods for RPLO
- units of assessment which relate to National Standards
- support materials for relevant professional development
The impact of the Project will be to demonstrate the ways in which RPLO enhances the attractiveness and rigour of VET within Lifelong Learning by ensuring that vocational and professional specialists are given access to full professional status as VET Teachers and Trainers based on their existing knowledge, skills and competencies. This will improve National policy and practice and inform the development of RPLO at European level through support for credit-based qualification frameworks across the EU and dissemination to other sectors.
The Consortium
The Proposal is based on a Consortium of 9 Partners from 5 countries.
- Cambridge Assessment [United Kingdom] (Contractor)
- Konrad Associates International [United Kingdom] (Coordinator)
- Lifelong Learning UK [United Kingdom]
- Foundation Degree Forward [United Kingdom]
- Newcastle upon Tyne College [United Kingdom]
- INHOLLAND University of Applied Science [The Netherlands]
- Municipality of Södertälje [Sweden]
- The Fondazione Politecnico di Milano [Italy]
- ECAP Foundation – Switzerland [Switzerland]
This Project is co-financed by the European Commission through the European Lifelong Learning Programme. The views expressed in the Project results are not necessarily those of the European Commission, the Executive Agency for Education Audiovisual and Executive Agency, or ECOTEC Ltd as the UK National Agency for the Leonardo da Vinci programme.