News from NOVA-Nordic #3

Already at this stage the NOVA project has produced results that can be a starting point for mutual learning and exchange of experience, e.g. about the “procedures of levelling” in the partner countries. I also think the survey results are a good source for further and deeper investigation and analyses, e.g. finding out the factors that are behind the weakest features indicated by the survey (including non-formal qualifications in NQFs, linking NQFs and validation). If the countries plan to expand access to NQFs, the project could provide insights on ways of dealing with hinders and suggest solutions, also show some learning examples.

It is extremely important to utilize the entire education system, including non-formal learning and Liberal Adult Education. In Finland the short courses and/or small learning units from the liberal adult education are yet to be part of the FiNQF (the requirement to apply for levelling is min. 30 ects credits). Luckily, there is a compre-hensive parliamentary report being carried out on the ways to make learning visible in different contexts. To reach the end goal, there needs to be an understanding that, in addition to employment stimulation, validation is needed also in developing the educational system (and these questions need to be discussed jointly). In Finland a broad spectrum of open badges are in use: therefore we need to adopt national principles and there needs to be broad support in this development. Quality, transferability and committed stakeholders are the prerequisites in the validation of small learning units. It makes sense to broaden the NQF step by step and at the same time make this issue more visible in society.