THE ROLE OF NATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS SYSTEMS IN PROMOTING LIFELONG LEARNING FIRST DRAFT OF THE INTERNATIONAL SYNTHESIS REPORT 08 July 2005 TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 1 Using qualifications systems to advantage: Scope and structure of the international synthesis report............................................................................................................................................................... 5 1.1. Rationale for the activity...................................................................................................................... 5 1.2. Focus of this activity ............................................................................................................................ 6 1.3. An interactive and comparative process involving many countries and international organisations... 7 1.4. Structure of the International Synthesis Report ................................................................................. 10 References..................................................................................................................................................... 11 Chapter 2 Common language, common meaning: Assumptions, definition and concepts ....................... 13 2.1. Assumptions and evidence................................................................................................................. 13 2.2. The route toward agreed definitions of the concepts.......................................................................... 15 2.3. Effects on lifelong learning................................................................................................................ 22 2.4. The meaning and structure of mechanisms and policy responses...................................................... 24 References..................................................................................................................................................... 26 Annex 2.1 Components of a qualifications system .................................................................................... 27 Chapter 3 Making national qualifications systems deliver more: Economic, social and personal benefits and policy responses in terms of national qualifications systems................................................................. 29 3.1. Reasons for developing lifelong learning........................................................................................... 29 3.1. Qualifications systems: drivers for change ........................................................................................ 30 3.2. Responses to pressures for changes in qualifications system............................................................. 33 3.3. Issues related to using qualifications systems as a tool for reform .................................................... 47 In summary................................................................................................................................................ 48 References..................................................................................................................................................... 49 Annex 3.1 Synopsis of country qualifications systems and reform programmes....................................... 50 Chapter 4 Do the numbers tell a story? Quantitative evidence about the impact of national qualifications systems on lifelong learning ......................................................................................................................... 83 4.1. The quantitative background for linking national qualifications systems and lifelong learning........ 84 4.2. An attempt to relate national qualifications systems to lifelong learning .......................................... 94 4.3. Concluding remarks: setting a research agenda ................................................................................. 99 References................................................................................................................................................... 102 Annex 4.1 Assumption, caveats and technical notes................................................................................ 104 Annex 4.2 Additional Tables.................................................................................................................... 106 2 Annex 4.3 International Adult Literacy Survey Background Questionnaire............................................ 114 Chapter 5 Identifying mechanisms to promote lifelong learning? Analysis of the interaction between stakeholders and qualifications systems ..................................................................................................... 115 5.1. Some important considerations ........................................................................................................ 115 5.2. Motivating individuals to learn ........................................................................................................ 120 5.3. Encouraging employers to use and support learning........................................................................ 134 5.4. The qualifications system and the role of learning and qualifications providers ............................. 145 5.5. Mechanisms affecting behaviour...................................................................................................... 152 References................................................................................................................................................... 155 Chapter 6 Putting mechanisms to work: How mechanisms support policy responses............................ 159 6.1. Policy responses and mechanisms.................................................................................................... 159 6.2. Power and versatility of the mechanism........................................................................................... 169 6.3. Change mechanisms ..................................................................................................................... 173 References................................................................................................................................................... 174 Chapter 7 Linking qualifications systems and lifelong learning policy: Using mechanisms to review policy responses.......................................................................................................................................... 175 7.1. Qualification systems influence lifelong learning............................................................................ 175 7.2 Mechanisms in strategic combination ............................................................................................... 176 7.3. Examples of policy review – addressing two problems ................................................................... 177 7.4. Conclusions...................................................................................................................................... 181 References................................................................................................................................................... 183 Additional bibliography.............................................................................................................................. 184 Appendix A Summary reports of the three thematic groups..................................................................... 189 Products................................................................................................................................................... 190 1. Definitions of qualifications frameworks and qualifications systems................................................. 190 2. Features of qualifications framework models ..................................................................................... 190 3. Benefits of Qualifications Frameworks............................................................................................... 192 4. Scenarios for future development........................................................................................................ 194 5. The international dimension of the debate on qualification frameworks ............................................ 194 Development of the report....................................................................................................................... 195 Definitions............................................................................................................................................... 195 Policy Opportunities and Challenges ...................................................................................................... 195 Current Practices ..................................................................................................................................... 197 Barriers to the Recognition of Non-formal and Informal Learning ........................................................ 198 Addressing the Barriers – Developing Principles for Recognition Systems........................................... 198 Recommendations ................................................................................................................................... 199 1. Describing the content of work - an essential but problematic aspect of vocational qualifications.... 201 2. Development of qualifications - a complex socio-political process...................................................