14.12.2022

For a new approach to quality in ALE

Quality assurance in adult learning and education (ALE) can be more challenging than in other sectors – the provision is very fragmented and in many countries it is underfunded and not easily categorised. EAEA’s Quality Working Group developed recommendations for a new approach to quality assurance for the sector.

Read the full paper: EAEA calls for a new approach to quality in adult learning and education (pdf)

With the (possible) introduction or increase of Individual Learning Accounts (ILAs), the question of quality assurance has become very relevant again in adult learning and education. Quality can be seen from very diverse points of view: it can concern accreditation (either for institutions or programmes), it can concern the quality management systems (ISO and other norm systems, etc.), and it can concern the training and development of teachers and trainers.

In a recent meeting of the Quality Working Group and other EAEA members, the participants highlighted:

  • In some countries, there is an attempt to transfer quality frameworks or systems of other sectors (mainly CVET and Higher Education) for ALE. EAEA members are concerned that this does not work for ALE and puts small organisations in particular at a disadvantage due to the high administrative burden and often high costs of quality certification. Sometimes, quality assurance is provided for formal ALE institutions but not for non-formal ALE.
  • In some cases, quality measures are meant to ‘clean the market’. By evaluating quality through very technical criteria, small organisations have difficulties complying with them although they do excellent work with the learners.

EAEA has a number of suggestions and recommendations that should be taken into account so that learners can benefit from high-quality offers in non-formal ALE through their Individual Learning Accounts:

  • Quality assurance should be ethical, humanistic and holistic.
  • Quality assurance should take the specificities of the ALE sector into account. Small organisations can provide high-quality learning programmes. Self-assessment can be very helpful in these cases.
  • Particular attention should be paid to staff development, especially teachers and trainers.
  • In order to manage quality assurance in ALE, ministries are encouraged to set up guidance and information for institutions, ideally quality advisers who can work with organisations. It is also recommended to set up (online) information and tools that will support anyone working in this area.
  • Quality indicators need to be chosen carefully. A too-simple indicator might not demonstrate the full quality and impact of the programme.

EAEA recommends a bundle of indicators that take different aspects (esp. the learner’s) into account:

  • Quality cannot be seen as separate from its environment. Infrastructure for high-quality provision needs to be set up so that ALE organisations can do their best. This concerns, for example, the professional development of educators and other ALE staff, guidance and counselling, and a system for the validation of prior learning. Quality for the learner can only be achieved in an enabling context.
  • ALE organisations should make sure that the learner is involved in the design of their learning programme as much as possible.
  • Transparency about quality criteria is necessary for learners and organisations.

Text: EAEA

17.05.2023 advocacy

European Education Area: Let the EU know about the implementation in your country!

Throughout 2023 and until mid-2024, the European Union will review the state of implementation of the European Education Area, including policy initiatives and strategies in adult learning and education. National reports will play a central role in the review process: this is where you can have a say! Let the European Union know which impact the European Education Area has had in your country!

09.05.2023 inclusion

Valorisation of motherhood skills as asset for empowerment and professional development of women

The MOVE-UP project intends to develop a flexible and quality upskilling pathway for unemployed women who are dedicating most of their time and efforts to the role of mother and who are in need to (re) join education activities and the job market.

08.05.2023 advocacy

European Year of Skills starts on 9 May 2023

The European Year of Skills will start officially on 9 May 2023 and will run until 8 May 2024. The thematic year aims to promote the visibility and uptake of further education and training in adult life and provides a unique opportunity for stakeholders to engage in discussions, learn from each other, and promote work in the field of skills development across Europe.