EUROPEAN PROFILES S.A

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TITLE OF PROJECT

Assessing learning outcomes in VET

Country:

EU Member States

Project Period:

2010 - 2012

Project Value:

€ 177.000

No of Staff Provided:

11

Origin of Funding:

CEDEFOP - European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training

Name of Client/ Beneficiary:

CEDEFOP - European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training

Description of Project:

The purpose of this study is to map and analyse assessment methodologies and practises in 32 countries participating in the Education and Training 2020 strategic framework for European cooperation (“ET 2020”) 3 and to examine up to what extent and how learning outcomes approaches influence assessment methodologies and practises in initial vocational education and training. The study aims to contribute to the understanding of how different methodologies used to assess learning outcomes may strengthen the relationship between education/training and the labour market.


The study shall provide a comparative overview and analysis of assessment methodologies used for summative purposes in 32 European countries participating in Education and training 2020 (“ET2020”). The focus is on initial vocational education and training in two economic sectors: electronics and tourism.


Explorative and empirical approach should be taken to establish a solid empirical base for comparative analysis of assessment methodologies in the two above mentioned economic sectors.


In addition, the study should analyse 10 cases studies (5 for each sector) from at least 5 countries focusing on assessment practises in selected qualifications in electronics and tourism sectors based on desk research and primary data collection. Different stakeholders should be interviewed (employers, assessors, learners, awarding bodies etc.).


The outcomes of the study will inform the EU and national policy debate on the need to modernise assessment methodologies and will support the implementation of the European Qualifications Framework and corresponding national qualifications frameworks.

Services Provided:
  • Review research literature on the implications of learning outcomes-oriented approaches on assessment methodologies (including conceptualisation of assessed learning outcomes and the use of standards, assessment methods, quality criteria etc) and develop the analytical framework for comparative analysis.
  • Review and analyse comparatively the current situation as regards assessment methodologies (including conceptualisation of assessed learning outcomes and the use of standards, assessment methods, quality criteria etc) in two sectors: electronics and tourism in 32 countries participating in Education and training 2020 (“ET2020”). Develop an empirical basis trough primary and secondary data collection;
  • In-depth analysis of 10 case studies of assessment practices (including detailed analysis of the assessed learning outcomes, assessment tasks and assignments, assessment methods and interviewing key stakeholders (employers, learners, assessors, awarding bodies);
  • Identify key common issues and challenges related to the design and use of assessment methodologies in member states or clusters of member states. Formulate conclusions and key messages which will inform European and national policy-making. Propose issues for further research.

Name of Partners:

N/A