Lifelong learning 2009-2012

Lifelong learning in the Leuven / Louvain-la-Neuve Communiqué

Widening participation shall [...] be achieved through lifelong learning as an integral part of our education systems. Lifelong learning is subject to the principle of public responsibility. The accessibility, quality of provision and transparency of information shall be assured. Lifelong learning involves obtaining qualifications, extending knowledge and understanding, gaining new skills and competences or enriching personal growth. Lifelong learning implies that qualifications may be obtained through flexible learning paths, including part-time studies, as well as work-based routes.

The implementation of lifelong learning policies requires strong partnerships between public authorities, higher education institutions, students, employers and employees. The European Universities’ Charter on Lifelong Learning developed by the European University Association (EUA) provides a useful input for defining such partnerships. EUA European Universities' Charter on Lifelong Learning 2008
Successful policies for lifelong learning will include basic principles and procedures for recognition of prior learning on the basis of learning outcomes regardless of whether the knowledge, skills and competences were acquired through formal, non-formal, or informal learning paths. Lifelong learning will be supported by adequate organisational structures and funding. Lifelong learning encouraged by national policies should inform the practice of higher education institutions.

The development of national qualifications frameworks is an important step towards the implementation of lifelong learning. We aim at having them implemented and prepared for self-certification against the overarching Qualifications Framework for the European Higher Education Area by 2012. This will require continued coordination at the level of the EHEA and with the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning. Within national contexts, intermediate qualifications within the first cycle can be a means of widening access to higher education.

Source: 2009 Leuven Louvain-la-Neuve Communiqué - English

Reports to the Bucharest Ministerial Conference

Report by the EHEA working group on Qualifications Frameworks 2009-2012

The present report is submitted to the BFUG by the EHEA Working Group on Qualifications Frameworks. It also draws on the activities of the Network of National Correspondents for Qualifications Frameworks, formally established by the BFUG in March 2011 but established in autumn 2009, as well as on the excellent cooperation established with the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning (EQF).

BFUG Network Recognition of Prior Learning Report and recommendations for 2012 Ministerial Conference